G N G GROUP

Nainital: Following a two-year gap due to the Covid pandemic, the Kainchi Dham mela is expected to draw a large crowd. About 1.5 lakh devotees are expected to reach Kainchi for the foundation day of Neem Karauli Ashram on June 15. According to the administration, the devotee footfall is likely to increase by more than 20% this year. While the foundation day is expected to draw devotees from all states, admirers of Neem Karauli Baba living in foreign nations may not return to the festival this year, said mela officials.
Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg are also among the believers of Neem Karauli Baba. Both of them visited Kainchi Dham and claimed to have experienced spiritual changes that helped them navigate through a rough patch in their lives. In fact, Jobs also met Neem Karauli Baba when he visited the Kainchi Dham in the 1970s.
Vinod Joshi, manager, Kainchi Dham, told, "All arrangements are in place. The devotees are enthusiastic about this year's foundation day celebration. However, not many foreign pilgrims are expected as they are concerned about catching the Covid infection during the air travel."
Meanwhile, Kanhaiya Lal Sah said, "Baba's followers believe that he had mystic powers. Some even call him a reincarnation of Lord Hanuman. Even during his lifetime, several of his followers would flock to Nainital to seek spiritual guidance from Baba Neem Karauli.