Nag Mandir Parikrma Run – A Community Initiative from the Himalayas
नाग मंदिर परिक्रमा दौड़
नाग मंदिर परिक्रमा दौड़ केवल एक दौड़ नहीं थी, बल्कि समुदाय को एक साथ जोड़ने और स्वस्थ जीवनशैली के प्रति जागरूकता बढ़ाने का एक छोटा सा प्रयास था। इस आयोजन का उद्देश्य युवाओं को फिटनेस अपनाने, नशे से दूर रहने और नियमित शारीरिक गतिविधि को जीवन का हिस्सा बनाने के लिए प्रेरित करना था।
यह दौड़ उत्तराखंड के पिथौरागढ़ ज़िले में स्थित बेरीनाग के नाग मंदिर से शुरू होकर वहीं समाप्त हुई। लगभग 2000 मीटर की ऊँचाई पर स्थित यह मंदिर स्थानीय आस्था, संस्कृति और प्रकृति के साथ संतुलन का प्रतीक है।
इस पहल की पहली कड़ी वर्ष 2024 में अनंत चतुर्दशी के दिन शुरू हुई थी उसी दिन जब बेरीनाग में पारंपरिक रात्रि मेला आयोजित होता है। इस संयोग ने दौड़ को स्थानीय संस्कृति और सामुदायिक जीवन से और भी गहराई से जोड़ दिया।
इस आयोजन में बच्चों, युवाओं, बुज़ुर्गों और गाँव के लोगों ने उत्साहपूर्वक भाग लिया। यह किसी प्रतियोगिता या समय सीमा से बंधी दौड़ नहीं थी बल्कि सहभागिता, प्रेरणा और सामूहिक अनुभव का उत्सव थी।
नाग मंदिर ट्रस्ट, स्थानीय स्वयंसेवकों, शिक्षकों और सहयोगी मित्रों के सहयोग से यह आयोजन संभव हो सका। प्रतिभागियों को प्रोत्साहन स्वरूप छोटे पुरस्कार और यात्रा एवं भोजन के लिए प्रतीकात्मक सहायता भी प्रदान की गई।
आगामी वर्ष 25 सितंबर 2026 अनंत चतुर्दशी के दिन नाग मंदिर परिक्रमा दौड़ के अगले संस्करण की योजना है। आशा है कि और अधिक लोग इस पहल से जुड़ेंगे और इसे आगे बढ़ाने में सहयोग करेंगे।
Why This Run
The Nag Mandir Parikrma Run was not planned as a race or competition.
It started as a simple idea to bring people together through movement, promote fitness, and create awareness among the younger generation about healthy lifestyle choices.
Growing up in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand, opportunities for organised sports and fitness activities were limited. This run was a small attempt to change that narrative, even if just for a day.
The first edition of the Nag Mandir Parikrma Run took place in 2024 on Anant Chaturdashi, a day when the traditional night mela is held in Berinag. Aligning the run with this occasion helped root the initiative naturally within local traditions and community gatherings.
Nag Mandir – The Inspiration Behind the Run
The Nag Mandir in Berinag is a temple dedicated to Nage Devta, the serpent deity traditionally worshipped across this region of the Kumaon Himalayas. For generations, the temple has been an important cultural and spiritual landmark for local communities, symbolising protection, respect for nature, and balance with the surrounding environment.
Situated at an elevation of close to 2,000 metres, Nag Mandir also served as the start and finish point of the Parikrma Run. Choosing this location was intentional the run was designed not just as a physical activity, but as a symbolic loop around a place deeply rooted in local identity and tradition.
The Place & the People
Nag Mandir is located in a remote part of the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, surrounded by hills, forests, and quiet village life. The terrain itself naturally encourages movement walking, climbing, and spending time outdoors.
The run saw participation from local youth, villagers, and visitors. There were no rankings, no timing chips, and no pressure — just people moving together, encouraging each other, and enjoying the experience.
Landscape
Berinag, located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, sits in the Kumaon Himalayas and is known for its expansive views of forested ridgelines and distant Himalayan peaks. The region has a long cultural and spiritual history and remains deeply connected to nature and daily physical activity through walking and hill movement.
This landscape formed the backdrop of the Nag Mandir Parikrma Run quiet roads, gentle climbs, forest sections, and open views that naturally invite movement rather than competition.
View of the Himalayan ranges from Berinag, filmed a few years ago. This landscape defines the setting and spirit of the Nag Mandir Parikrma Run.
How the Event Came Together
The event was organised with the support of Nag Mandir Trust and a small group of volunteers.
There was no registration fee, and participation was open to all.
Several friends from the running community and personal well-wishers quietly supported the initiative through small contributions. This helped cover basic logistics and made it possible to organise the event without external sponsorships. I’m deeply grateful for that support.
Route Map
Our Youngest-at-Heart Runner
Ashok Ji (66 years young) travelled from Dehradun to participate and motivate local children a powerful reminder that inspiration has no age limit.
More Than a Run
The core objective of the Parikrma Run was to:
- Encourage fitness and regular physical activity
- Create awareness about staying away from drugs
- Promote a healthy and disciplined lifestyle
- Strengthen a sense of community participation
To encourage wider participation, we introduced small prize awards across boys, girls, and other categories, purely as a form of motivation and recognition. In addition, every participant received a small token of appreciation to help cover basic travel and food expenses ensuring that participation remained accessible and inclusive. In remote regions like this, even a small event can leave a lasting impression especially on young minds.
Personal Reflections
For me, this run was deeply personal. It brought together three important parts of my life:
- Running
- Giving back to the community
- Reconnecting with my roots
It was a reminder that not every meaningful run needs a bib or a finish line. Sometimes, the value lies simply in showing up and doing something positive together.
Acknowledgements & Gratitude
This initiative would not have been possible without the collective support of many individuals and groups.
My sincere thanks to Nag Mandir Trust for providing the foundation and support to organise this event, and to the local volunteers who worked tirelessly on the ground.
I am deeply grateful to the schools and teachers who encouraged and accompanied children to participate, making the run truly inclusive and community-driven.
Several friends from the running community and personal circles generously contributed towards logistics and arrangements. Their quiet support played a crucial role in making the event successful.
A special mention to Race Director Lalit Pant for his vision, planning, and continuous on-ground efforts this run exists because of his commitment and perseverance.
Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and believed in this initiative.
Looking Ahead – 25 September 2026
Encouraged by the response and participation, we plan to organise the next edition of the Nag Mandir Parikrma Run on 25 September 2026.
We hope to see wider participation from local communities, schools, and running enthusiasts, while continuing to keep the event simple, inclusive, and purpose-driven.
More details will be shared closer to the date. We look forward to your support and participation.
If you’d like to know more about this initiative or support similar efforts in the future, feel free to reach out.
Moments from the Run
Here are a few video highlights from the day candid moments of participation, smiles, and community energy.