# Unique Panch Aarti Ritual in Nainital Wards Off the Evil Eye from Goddess Nanda-Sunanda

> During the 124th Nanda Devi Mahotsav in Nainital, devotees gather every evening for a special Panch Aarti that uses nature's five elements to ward off the evil eye from Goddess Nanda-Sunanda.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Uttarakhand · **Published:** 2026-09-21 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/uttarakhand/nainital-men-nanda-devi-mahotsava-ke-daurana-pncha-arati-se-utari-jati-hai-man-ki-najara-35735 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Nanda Devi Mahotsav, Nainital, Maa Nanda Sunanda, Panch Aarti, Naina Devi Temple, Uttarakhand Festivals

A vibrant festive atmosphere has taken over Nainital in Uttarakhand as the town celebrates the 124th edition of the Nanda Devi Mahotsav. Devotees hold immense reverence for Goddess Nanda and Goddess Sunanda, revered as the presiding deities of the Kumaon region. Among the array of religious observances organized during this grand festival, an evening ritual known as the Panch Aarti has emerged as the prime center of attraction for pilgrims and visitors. According to age-old religious traditions, this specific ceremony is conducted to ward off the evil eye from the divine sisters using the five basic elements of nature.

## An Evening Devotional Ceremony Dedicated to the Deities
Dr. Lalit Tiwari, an office-bearer of Shri Ram Sewak Sabha, shared detailed insights into the significance of this ritual. He explained that the sacred Panch Aarti for Goddess Nanda-Sunanda commences promptly at 6:30 PM every evening. The entire spiritual ritual lasts for approximately one hour and draws a massive gathering of faithful devotees. As the designated hour approaches, the courtyard of the famous Maa Naina Devi Temple becomes completely filled with worshippers eager to witness the proceedings.

The ritual is led and initiated by Pandit Bhagwat Joshi. During the prayer, the temple surroundings transform into a space of intense spiritual energy. The rhythmic beats of traditional hill musical instruments and drums, the continuous resonance of temple bells, and enthusiastic collective chants venerating Goddess Nanda-Sunanda echo together across the temple grounds.

## Using Nature's Five Elements and Sacred Offerings
Elaborating on the philosophy underpinning the Panch Aarti, Dr. Lalit Tiwari noted that under local faith and tradition, it is believed that the deities too can be affected by the evil eye. To counter this, an elaborate ritual utilizing the five elements of nature is observed to clear any negative gaze. This devotional gesture serves as a deep expression of affection, surrender, and veneration by the devotees toward the divine mother.

During the recitation and worship, the five great natural elements earth, water, fire, air, and sky are actively invoked and remembered. The ceremony involves distinct rituals paired with specific sacred materials. Clay lamps, conch shells filled with water, ceremonial garments, and fresh leaves from mango and peepal trees are integral components of the offering. Through these traditional items and structured devotional prayers, the protective aarti is performed.

## Significance of Worshipping After Sunset
Traditional customs dictate that conducting the Panch Aarti right after sunset holds exceptional religious significance. It is believed that this post-dusk ritual clears away the accumulated gaze of the entire day. Consequently, pilgrims consider this particular hour exceptionally auspicious for spiritual fulfillment. Attending worshippers view the deities, join the collective singing, and offer sincere prayers for the realization of their personal wishes and family well-being.

According to Dr. Lalit Tiwari, this evening ceremony has been practiced faithfully ever since Goddess Nanda and Sunanda arrived and their consecration was established at the Maa Naina Devi Temple. Rather than being merely a formal prayer service, it represents a centuries-old cultural bond that links regional heritage with profound religious devotion.

## Flocks of Pilgrims and Distribution of Wheat Prasad
Throughout the course of the Nanda Devi Mahotsav, visitors travel not only from across Nainital but also from surrounding hills and distant regions just to catch a glimpse of the evening Panch Aarti. As daylight fades, crowds quickly swell within the temple compound. With the initial notes of the ceremony, the entire assembly joins in unified praise of the goddesses, creating an emotionally uplifting scene.

Once the hour-long ceremony reaches its conclusion, consecrated offerings are distributed to the assembled gathering. Among the customary items shared with the public is a traditional prasad prepared from wheat. This seamless convergence of elemental reverence, local folk practices, and collective faith gives the Panch Aarti an enduring legacy, transforming Nainital into an epicenter of divine joy each evening.

## What this means for you
The ongoing Nanda Devi Mahotsav and the daily Panch Aarti ritual directly affect visitors, pilgrims, and local residents in Nainital.

- **In Nainital and Uttarakhand:** Local devotees and tourists have the opportunity to participate in the one-hour Panch Aarti held daily at 6:30 PM at the Maa Naina Devi Temple. Given the large gathering in the temple courtyard, visitors should arrive well before the scheduled time to secure a spot.
- **Across India for Pilgrims:** Devotees traveling from outside the region can witness authentic mountain musical traditions and the rare ritual invoking nature's elements. Visitors can also receive the sacred prasad prepared from wheat distributed right after the prayers conclude.
- **Commuters and Local Movement:** The massive influx of worshippers around dusk creates heavy foot traffic and busy routes near the temple premises. The festival also provides a considerable boost to local cultural engagement and bazaar activity in Nainital.
- **Cultural Awareness:** Observing the ritual of warding off the evil eye with natural elements offers travelers and the younger generation firsthand exposure to unique Himalayan spiritual traditions.

## Why this happened
The performance of the Panch Aarti during the Nanda Devi Mahotsav in Nainital is rooted in distinct regional beliefs and sacred traditions.

- **Ancient Folk Belief:** According to Kumaoni lore, even revered deities can be subject to the evil eye following intense public adoration. Therefore, a ritual employing the five fundamental elements of nature is conducted to nullify that effect.
- **Tradition Since Consecration:** The daily post-sunset ritual was initiated right when the divine forms of Goddess Nanda and Sunanda arrived and were consecrated at the Maa Naina Devi Temple.
- **Dusk Cleansing Timing:** Religious customs consider the period immediately following sunset ideal for warding off the day's accumulated gaze, setting the fixed schedule for 6:30 PM.
- **Harmony with the Five Elements:** By invoking earth, water, fire, air, and sky through specific items like conch shells and earthen lamps, the ceremony reinforces the sacred tie between the divine and the natural world.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Which edition of the Nanda Devi Mahotsav is currently being celebrated in Nainital?
Nainital is currently hosting the 124th edition of the Nanda Devi Mahotsav.

### 2. At what time does the Panch Aarti begin and how long does it last?
The Panch Aarti begins precisely at 6:30 PM every evening and lasts for around one hour.

### 3. In which temple complex is this evening aarti held?
The ceremony takes place at the Maa Naina Devi Temple complex in Nainital.

### 4. Who leads the initiation of the Panch Aarti?
The aarti ceremony is initiated and conducted under the guidance of Pandit Bhagwat Joshi.

### 5. Which five elements of nature are invoked during the aarti?
The ritual invokes the five principal elements: earth, water, fire, air, and sky.

### 6. What ritual items are used in the performance of the Panch Aarti?
The ritual uses earthen lamps, water-filled conch shells, ceremonial cloth, and leaves from mango and peepal trees.

### 7. What specific prasad is distributed to devotees after the ceremony concludes?
Following the conclusion of the prayers, a traditional sacred offering prepared from wheat is distributed among the worshippers.

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