Image Source: Karnrawat/wikipedia
Often referred to as the “Himalayan Kumbh, Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is one of the most significant spiritual journeys in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The Yatra, which occurs once every twelve years, is dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi (an incarnation of Goddess Parvati). A three-week pilgrimages span over 280 kilometres, passing through challenging mountain terrain, connecting ancient villages, sacred lakes, and divine sites.
Mythology
The Nanda devi raj jat yatra is deeply embedded in hindu mythology and local traditions of the Himalayan region. According to local mythology, Goddess Nanda devi is revered as the beloved daughter of the Himalayas. She is married to Lord shiva and considered an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The entire yatra represents the emotional farewell journey from her maternal home.
Garhwal and Kumaon Kingdom
During times of political division between Kingdoms of Garhwal and Kumaon, the yatra has served as a unifying force in the region. During peace, rajas of both kingdoms invited the goddess “Nanda of Almora” to participate in the Raj jat.
The yatra is particularly significant from a social perspective for its role in bridging historical divisions between the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. After the formation of Uttarakhand state, the government tried to bring people together from both the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. Through this inclusive approach, Nanadkesri as a stopping point is added in the traditional route so deities and devotees from Kumaon join the main procession.
In the yatra of 2000, the goddess “Almora ki Nanda” participated after a 90-year absence with various deities from Kumoan.
The Sacred Journey
From traditional accounts, Nanda devi raj Jat yatra begin from Kuruu village near Nandaprayag and moves forward to Nauti Village near Karnprayag. However, according to some other sources, the starting point of the yatra is Nauti village. The yatra follows a meticulously planned route that traverses upward through various villages and sacred sites. In the challengeing journey of 280 km mostly through the Chamoli district also passes through high-altitude locations of Hemukund and Roopkund.
In a demanding journey, participants trek around 20 kilometres daily while passing dense forests, alpine meadows, steep mountain passes, and remote settlements. The Journey is not merely a religious trek but a profound test of physical endurance and spiritual dedication.
Culture and economic activities
Nanda devi yatra welcomes people from all faiths, which reinforces community bonds and preserves ancient traditions. During the yatra, participants engage in various cultural expressions that showcase the rich heritage of Uttarakhand. Throughout the journey, devotees in traditional attire sing devotional songs showcasing the rich heritage of Uttarakhand. Musicians playing traditional instruments and dancers perform local dances at various stops along the route.
Yatra brings a lot of opportunities for local communities. Locals set up temporary shops and stalls to sell local handicrafts and traditional food items to the pilgrims. The yatra brings limited opportunities for commercial activities to locals that might otherwise have no options.
Rituals and Practices
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is marked by numerous rituals and ceremonies. The journey begins with elaborate ceremonies where local priests perform traditional rituals to invoke the blessings of Goddess Nanda Devi. Through their journey, devotees engage in continuous prayers, recitation of hymns, and performance of specific rituals.
The yatra follows the traditional route that starts from Nauti village and ends at Hemkund. In detail, the route includes the following itinerary: Nauti to Ida Badhani (10 km), Ida Badhani to Nandkesari (12 km), Nandkesari to Faldiya (10 km), Faldiya to Mundoli (18 km), Mundoli to Wan (8 km), Wan to Bedini Bugyal (10 km), Bedini Bugyal to Pathar Nachauni (12 km), Pathar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa (6 km), Bhagwabasa to Roopkund to Shila Samundar (14 km), and finally Shila Samundar to Homkund (7 km). The whole journey takes around 19 days forth and back.
Local residents often welcome the pilgrims when the yatra reaches their village. They performed ceremonial practices, offered food and shelter, and participate in communal prayers
During the journey, a four-horned ram (Chausingya-Meda) lead the procession. He is decorated with decorative elements and considered the embodiment of divine presence. Throughout the journey its guarded closed and freed after the successful completion of the journey at Hemkund. Here priests perform a Havan-Yagna (sacred fire ceremony). This ritual represents the release of sheep and the spiritual liberation of devotees after the arduous pilgrimage.