【Dehradun, In】Dehradun Hosts a Market for Nepal’s Rare and Unique Products, from Shaligram to Rudraksha

Editor’s Note

This article offers a glimpse into the ongoing Indo-Nepal Trade Fair in Dehradun, highlighting its role in fostering bilateral trade and showcasing unique Himalayan products. The event’s extension underscores its public appeal and significance.

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The Indo-Nepal Trade Fair Buzz

An Indo-Nepal Trade Fair is currently underway at the Rangers Ground in Dehradun, aimed at strengthening trade relations between India and Nepal and facilitating the exchange of products. The event will run until March 27 and has been extended by one day due to its popularity. We visited the fair to explore the unique and rare products from the Himalayan region available there.

Special Utensils Made from Medicinal Vijaysal Wood

You can find utensils made from Vijaysal, a special medicinal wood found in Nepal (also known as Vijaysar in India), at the Indo-Nepal Trade Fair. Such utensils are not commonly found in regular markets. Their unique characteristic is that water stored in them changes color. Drinking this water is believed to provide numerous health benefits. Utensils made from Vijaysal wood are considered particularly useful for diabetes patients.

“We run this business in Mahendranagar, Nepal. We meet the demand for Vijaysal wood utensils in Nepal and various places outside Nepal. We have been doing this work for the past 24 years. This is our traditional work. Now, people are gradually learning about the medicinal properties of Vijaysal. The demand for this product is continuously increasing.”

– Ganesh Bohra, Vijaysal Wood Seller, Nepal

Indo Nepal Trade Fair Dehradun
Vijaysal Wood is Very Useful

Ganesh Bohra explains that according to Ayurveda, drinking water stored overnight in a Vijaysal glass on an empty stomach in the morning helps control diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. Additionally, it aids in reducing body pain and other illnesses. It also boosts immunity. Vijaysal water is highly beneficial for improving the digestive system, removing toxins from the body, and aiding weight loss.

“We use Vijaysal in Ayurveda. It is a medicinal plant. We use it for diabetes, skin disorders, and digestion-related issues. It is taken in powder and tablet forms. Nowadays, utensils are also being made from it. Water is filled in these utensils at night. Consuming it in the morning has many health benefits.”

– Dr. Archana Kohli, Ayurvedic Doctor

Nepal’s Divine Shaligram Stone is a People’s Favorite

You can also buy original Shaligram stones, considered a blessing of Lord Vishnu in Sanatan Dharma, at the Indo-Nepal Trade Fair. The Shaligram stone is an extremely rare fossil stone, specifically found in the Kali Gandaki River that flows from the Himalayas into Nepal. Its characteristic is that it is a black stone, and upon breaking each stone, a unique shape is found inside.

Indo Nepal Trade Fair Dehradun
“Near the Kali Gandaki River is the Muktinath Temple, where it is said that humans attain salvation. This black Shaligram stone has been found in this river since ancient times. It is considered a direct form of Lord Vishnu and is highly revered. According to Hindu mythological beliefs, Shaligram is associated with a village named Salgram, located on the banks of this Gandaki River. The Shivling and Shaligram are considered the idol forms of God, and according to Hinduism, this idol form of God should be worshipped.”

– Som Pandit, Trader at the Indo-Nepal Trade Fair

Nepal Has the Only Shaligram Temple

Som Pandit states that while there are many temples with Shivlings of Lord Bholenath in the world today, there is only one temple for Shaligram, the Muktinath Temple in Nepal. This is where these Shaligram stones come from. It is a major pilgrimage site for Vaishnavas, and the journey to Muktinath is as difficult as that to Kedarnath.

Nepal Exports 5 Billion Rupees Worth of Rudraksha Annually

Additionally, at the Indo-Nepal Trade Fair, you will find Rudraksha beads of special quality in abundance. They hold higher significance than the Rudraksha found in India. Rudraksha also holds a special place in the culture of both India and Nepal. In Nepal, rare Rudraksha beads from one-faced to twenty-one-faced are found. The demand for these Rudraksha beads is very high in today’s ritualistic society. At the India-Nepal Trade Fair set up at Dehradun’s Ranger Ground, you will find every variety of Rudraksha, and you will get the best quality.

Indo Nepal Trade Fair Dehradun
“Rudraksha has a very powerful effect on our lives. It is considered extremely pure and sacred in Hinduism. It is not worn under any circumstances of impurity. In Hinduism, there are different beliefs associated with Rudraksha having different numbers of faces (mukhi).”

– BP Uniyal, Buyer at the Trade Fair from Uttarakhand

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⏰ Published on: March 25, 2025