World famous Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra, organised every 12 years, has been postponed, not cancelled, said Mela Adhikari Meharban Singh Bisht. The organising committee would soon hold a meeting to fix the dates to organise it in a grand way at an appropriate time, possibly next year, he added.
Bisht said that the Yatra is considered as Kumbh among the locals. It passes through tough terrain and high altitudes. The Yatra is also of great religious and cultural importance. He said that it is one of the most colourful festivals of the region.
Throwing light on religious importance of the Yatra, Bisht said, “Nanda Devi- the daughter of Kings of mountains, and the consort of lord Shiva - is the supreme spiritual Goddess of the locals of the Garhwal and Kumaon region. She visits her maternal dwelling in these Himalayan heights in the Bhardrapad (months of August – September) and this is celebrated by the natives.”
Starting from Nauti Village, the Yatra accompanies a mythical four-horned Sheep and Doli and all sorts of gifts for Nanda Devi, who is treated as daughter revisiting her mother, Bisht added. He further said that covering 280 km of distance, 19-days Yatra passes through incredibly charming Bedini Bugyal, Rupkund and the very difficult Jyura Gali pass on Nandashtmi to reach Homkund.
It is said that four-horned ram is born once every 12 years. And this ram leads the procession. The locals don’t go beyond Homkund from where the ram takes gifts and disappears in the glaciers. Once the ram is released, no one looks in its direction and the procession immediately heads back.
He further added that the Nanda Raj Jat passes through some very tough and charming areas which don’t find mention in the tourism map. The Yatra presents one the prospect of exploring culture, tradition, people and authentic cuisine of the real Uttarakhand.
He further added that the locals interested in attending the ceremony head to Nauti village from where the Yatra starts and then proceed to other places of interest before joining the procession again via Wan. It is at Wan that some 300 idols and decorated Chhantolis (umbrellas) are assembled and the journey continues all the way to the Homkund.
He said that the Yatra has been postponed, not cancelled. Dates for organising it in a grand manner, possibly next year, would be announced soon. The organising committee would hold the meeting. He said that it has been postponed as the routes are damaged.