Storm Wrecks Historic Nauchandi Fair Before It Begins, Organizers Suffer Heavy Losses
Meerut : The much-awaited Nauchandi Fair, a cultural hallmark of Meerut, has suffered a massive setback just days before its official opening. Already delayed by two months , the fairgrounds were devastated by a sudden storm and heavy rainfall, leaving organizers and stall owners in distress.
Large parts of the fair, especially the rides and entertainment installations, were damaged before the fair could even begin. Organizers say that strong winds toppled several rides, causing major financial losses.
One of the worst-hit is ride contractor Sunny Gupta, who estimates a loss of nearly ₹20 lakh.
“The fair hadn’t even started. Forget about profit—we’re already dealing with severe damage,” Gupta lamented, surveying the wreckage.
Traditionally held in March-April, the Nauchandi Fair was scheduled to start around May 23 or 24 this year. However, incomplete preparations and delayed action had already pushed the opening back. Now, with this fresh blow from nature, insiders suggest the fair may be delayed by another 10 to 15 days.
Local traders and fair organizers are voicing their anger, accusing the municipal authorities of irresponsibility and demanding compensation for the financial losses.
“This isn’t just about the rides,” one vendor said. “Stalls, lighting setups, seating areas, everything is in disarray. And we’ve received no official word from the corporation yet.”
For many small business owners, Nauchandi Mela is a significant source of annual income. The delay and damage have raised fears about the viability of this year’s event and its potential turnout.
