Uttarakhand News: Uttarakhand’s winter of 2026 has brought unprecedented worry among local residents as snowfall and rainfall plunge to record lows. This has crippled tourist spots in Nainital and apple orchards in Almora. Farmers in Kuman Hills, possibly staring at dry rivers and crop failures, are flocking to the revered Chitai Golu Devta Temple near Almora.
The “God of Justice”, Golu Devta is famed for granting wishes to devotees. It is widely believed by devotees that sincere prayers at the temple can turn the tide on natural calamities, sparking a viral pilgrimage trend amid climate woes.
Uttarakhand News-Crisis Grips Kumaon Hills
The India Meteorological Department has reported that snowfall levels have been just 20 percent in Auli and Mukteshwar in January 2026, worst in a decade. Apple farmers in the homeland of Golu Devta are facing losses of more than ₹500 crores with rivers such as Kosi running dry.
Locals are blaming global warming and erratic monsoons behind the unprecedented weather conditions. This is when faiths steps in after science has faltered and disappointed.
Pilgrims are reaching the Chitai Golu Devta Temple to tie bells, vowing justice and immediate assistance from Golu Devta, an incarnation of Lord Shiva as Gaur Bhairav who rides a white horse upholding dharma.
Road Trip from Delhi NCR: Step-by-Step Guide
Chitai Golu Devta Temple, 9 km from Almora on Jageshwar Road, stands as Kumaon’s top shrine, outshining even Char Dham for wish-fulfillment fame. Devotees can reachh Chitai from Delhi NCR (300-350 km) with a scenic 7-9 hour self-drive. They can start early via NH9 to Moradabad (140 km, 3 hrs), then NH109 through Rampur and Haldwani (100 km more). Alternatively, they can reach Kathgodam Railway Station (94 km from temple) via train options like Naintal Express (overnight from Delhi).
Devotees can even reach the temple through car by following the route: Delhi > Ghaziabad > Moradabad > Rampur > Nainital Road > Almora. For a round trip, the fuel expenses could be around ₹2,500 and Tolls ₹500. Fortuner or Innova are the ideal vehicles for hilly patches post-Kathgodam. Users can stop at Kainchi Dham for chai.
If you want to use public transport, you can take an overnight Volvo from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Haldwani (₹800, 7 hrs), then GMOU bus/shared taxi to Almora (₹200, 3 hrs). From Almora Bus Stand, you can take an auto to Chitai (₹150, 30 mins).
If you want to use flights, you can visit the Pantnagar Airport (124 km, IndiGo flights from Delhi, ₹3,000) + cab (₹2,500).
As Uttarakhand prays for snow, Golu Devta’s bells might just echo the change we crave.
