According to long-cherished local accounts, the origins of the temple date back to around the year 1800, when a young girl from Chopra village disappeared in the surrounding forests. Despite an extensive search, no trace of her could be found until her mother reportedly received a divine vision in which the child appeared as an embodiment of Goddess Kali. The vision, villagers say, pointed to the sacred hilltop where the temple now stands. Soon after, families from neighbouring settlements came together to erect a shrine in honour of the deity, establishing a pilgrimage tradition that has lasted for generations.
Folklore surrounding the temple deepened during the period of Gorkha incursions, when residents believed the goddess offered protection through dreams and omens, cautioning them of impending danger. This legacy has shaped her identity as a guardian and a symbol of strength for the people of the region, who continue to regard Maa Kalinka as a divine sentinel watching over their valleys.
The upcoming Bunkhal Kalinka Fair, an annual celebration of devotion and local custom, brings this narrative to life through vibrant rituals, community gatherings and traditional practices that have survived across centuries. For villagers and returning devotees alike, the event serves as a reminder of collective resilience, shared history and the spiritual ties that bind the mountain communities.
As the 2025 festivities approach, the fair is expected to once again reinforce the cultural heartbeat of Pauri Garhwal—honouring a deity believed to have guided its people through times of uncertainty, and celebrating a legacy that continues to shape the identity of the region.
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