Nainital is said to have been discovered by a British merchant Peter Baren on November 18, 1839.
The famous tourist town of Nainital turned 175 years old today with its residents celebrating the occasion by conducting an all-faith prayer and cutting dozens of cakes, collected from various schools, organisations and individuals.
Zila Panchayat President Sumitra Prasad and District Magistrate Deepak Rawat took part in the celebrations held at GGIC campus along with principals of reputed schools, dignitaries and thousands of people including school children.
The programme was organised by Nagar congress president Maruti Nandan Sah, enthusiast Deepak Bisht with cooperation from Vyapar Mandal.
Nainital is said to have been discovered by a British merchant Peter Baren on November 18, 1839. People began to settle in the town only after Mr Baren's discovery.
Having gone through several ups and downs since then, the town now boasts of being one of the country's finest tourist destinations and also is home to many reputed schools.
Maruti Sah and Deepak Bisht initiated the practice of celebrating the town's birthday a few years back and now it has become a much awaited annual event.
Historian and environment activist Ajay Rawat appealed to people to come forward to protect the ecology and natural green cover of the town on the occasion.
Principals of various schools were honoured by the organisers on the occasion. DM Rawat and Sumitra Prasad hailed the event as an opportunity for future generations to learn the historical importance of the town so that they are able to frame policies for future.