Uttarakhand's Ancient Kuldevta Tradition: Family Deities Worshipped Before Auspicious Events

• Uttarakhand families deeply adhere to the Kuldevi and Kuldevta tradition, considering them protectors of lineage and family well-being.
• Worship of Kuldevta is mandatory before any auspicious event, including weddings, childbirth, and naming ceremonies.
• Ancient temples dedicated to Kuldevtas are found in most villages, where lamps are lit to seek blessings.
• Pandit Naveen Tiwari of Maa Naina Devi Temple, Nainital, explains Kuldevtas are presiding deities, with each lineage having its own Ishta Dev.
• The tradition involves offering the first invitation to the Kuldevta for events like weddings and seeking blessings after childbirth.

Why It Matters: Uttarakhand maintains a strong, ancient tradition of worshipping Kuldevtas for family protection and blessings.