Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday, 3 July 2026, highlighted the Maa Naithna Devi Temple in Naubada, Dwarahat, Almora district, calling it a remarkable centre of unwavering devotion and divine energy, and urged visitors to seek the blessings of the goddess during any trip to Almora.

Context

In his post, Chief Minister Dhami described the temple — dedicated to Goddess Durga — as a site that offers both alaukik shanti (otherworldly peace) and captivating natural beauty. He noted that local communities organise a large fair at the temple on the occasion of Ghee Sankranti, a traditional Uttarakhand festival marking the seasonal transition. Dhami wrote: 'This sacred abode dedicated to Maa Durga provides an experience of divine peace on one hand, while its natural beauty enchants the mind on the other.'

Policy Backdrop

Uttarakhand has actively promoted itself as Devbhoomi — the land of the gods — through religious tourism circuits since the state's formation in 2000. While the Garhwal region's shrines such as the Char Dham have historically drawn the bulk of pilgrims, state governments have increasingly turned attention to lesser-known Kumaon temples to distribute tourism benefits more evenly across hill districts. Almora district, situated in the Kumaon division, is noted for its scenic landscapes, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage.

Dwarahat, the block where the temple is located, is itself known for a cluster of ancient temples and has long held significance for devotees across the region. Pilgrimage and seasonal fairs at such sites contribute meaningfully to local livelihoods, making their promotion a matter of both cultural and economic interest for the state administration.

Stakeholders and Impact

Local devotees and the broader tourism industry in Almora stand to benefit from the visibility that the Chief Minister's social media outreach provides. Seasonal fairs like the one held at Maa Naithna Devi Temple during Ghee Sankranti generate income for traders, priests, and hospitality providers in the surrounding area. The post also aligns with a wider post-pandemic pattern of domestic travellers seeking short spiritual getaways to hill destinations.

State leaders in Uttarakhand have consistently used social media to spotlight heritage and religious sites in Kumaon, positioning the region as a year-round cultural destination rather than one limited to the summer pilgrimage season. Such messaging helps counterbalance the seasonal concentration of tourist footfall in Garhwal.

What's Next

Observers will watch whether the state's tourism department follows up with infrastructure announcements or dedicated circuits for the Dwarahat temple cluster, particularly ahead of the Ghee Sankranti festival period. Sustained promotion of Kumaon's religious sites could support the government's broader goal of economic diversification in hill districts and extend the tourism season beyond traditional peak months.