This fair has a mythologial story behind it.A Rishi Called Gautam used to bathe in the Holy Ganga, everymorning. For him, this had become part of his everyday life.The Story revolves around Indra, Ahilya the Wife of Gautam Rishi and Gautam Rishi itself. Once Indra asked Surya(the sun) that who is the most beautiful woman on the earth, Sun can't able to get the answer.Then Indra asked the same question to Chadradev(the moon), he said that Ahilya the wife of Gautam Rishi is the most beautiful woman residing at the confluence of the Yamuna and Tamsa. Hearing this, Indra was overtaken by lust and made up his mind to aquire Ahilya by hook or by crook.
Unbecoming of the King of the Gods as his intentions were, Indra entered the Ashram (hermitage) of Gautam at midnight and mimicked the call of a cock. Unaware of the wicked designs of Indra, Rishi Gautam set out to bathe in the Ganga as usual, believing it to be dawn.
Finding Ahilya alone at home, as soon as the sage left, Indra knocked on the door and impersonating Gautam, tried to bluff her. Ahilya was a pious hearted lady. She sensed the evil designs of Indra and cursed him, turning him into a leper with a thousand eyes.
Meanwhile, Gautam reached the Ganga and entered the holy water for a bath. The river Goddess was pleased with the punctuality and devotion of Gautam. She asked him to return home immediately as his wife was in trouble. The Rishi turned back in a hurry, leaving behind his Kamandal (sacred pot). Later, the Goddess Ganga herself returned the Kamandal, filling it with holy water, which was set up in the Ashram in the form of a sarovar (tank).
Those who took a holy dip in the tank would earn the same blessing as one who has had a holy dip in the Ganga. Since then, this place, which is about 8 kms. from Dehradun on the Dehradun-Saharanpur Road, has become a holy bathing place of religious importance. Thousands of devotees visit the spot in April and October, when a big fair takes place here.

The Surkhanda Devi Fair is held on the Ganga Dussehra or Jyesth Navami day at the Surkhanda Devi temple, located at a distance of 33 kms. from Mussoorie, the famous hill station in Dehradun District.

The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga and is an important centre of pilgrimage. It can be reached by trekking about 2 kms., from Kaddukhal via Dhanolti on the road to Chamba. The worship of the Goddess is the main attraction of this fair. Besides folk music and dance, traditional handicrafts are also on display.

The famous mountain top shrine at an altitude of 2,903 mtrs., In the mid of a dense forest. Surkhanda Devi is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. This temple was originally uilt in 13th century. A beautiful architecture depicts the unique hill-style. Every year, a fair is held in the month of May June, during Ganga Dussera.

This fair is held in October on Jyestha Dashmi, every year, during the Navratras at Narendra Nagar. Over fifty thousand people gather here to participate in various activities. Display of skill and strength by the youth, handicrafts and handmade articles are the main attractions of this fair.

This village fair is held during Sept.- Oct. and is very popular in the area neighbouring Chakrata, 78 kms. from Mussoorie. The fair is a manifestation of the customs and traditions of the Garhwalis. Activities include cultural programmes and sport competitions.