Most traditions in the mountain State of Uttarakhand are linked to gods, goddesses and various local deities. Celebrating the occasion of Nanda Ashtami is one such tradition which is commemorated with enthusiasm, especially in the Painkhanda area of Joshimath. The occasion commemorated on Tuesday was preceded by the plucking of Brahma Kamal (saussurea obvallata) flowers from the high altitude regions. It is believed that the plucking of these flowers that grow at altitudes between 3000 to 4,600 metres above sea level, is soon followed by the advent of the winter cold in the mountainous regions. The occasion of Nanda Ashtami is celebrated with fervour and gaiety in the temples and villages of this region with prayers and traditional folk dances. For this occasion, a few men trek to the high altitude alpine meadow — bugyal for plucking the Brahma Kamal flowers. The Brahma Kamal which is also the State flower of Uttarakhand is considered by the locals to be a form of Goddess Nanda. The men bathe early in the morning, wear dhotis and walk barefoot to the bugyal for plucking these flowers for the occasion. It is believed that the plucking of the Brahma Kamal flowers for Nanda Ashtami celebrations is soon followed by the advent of the winter cold in the mountainous regions. When the men return with the flowers to the Nanda temples in villages by night time, the womenfolk of the village sing jagar (traditional religious folk compositions) and dance the jhumelo folk dance.
Every year, the festival of Nanda Ashtami is celebrated with gaiety in Badrinath, Bhyundar, Selang, lata, Slud, Badagaon, Parsari and Merang areas of Chamoli district with prayers, folk dances and fairs. The villagers view the Brahma Kamal flower as a form of the Goddess and worship the flowers brought back by the men to the villages at night. Devotional folk songs and folk dances are held throughout the night after which a Brahma Bhoj is held on the next day followed by the departure of the goddess towards Kailash to be with her husband, lord Shiva.