Nanda Devi Raj Jat, or the Royal Pilgrimage of Nanda Devi, is one of the most significant spiritual and cultural events held in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Celebrated once every 12 years in the Chamoli district of Garhwal, this three-week-long Hindu pilgrimage covers approximately 280 to 290 kilometers, and is considered one of the most arduous yet sacred treks in the Indian Himalayas.
Raj Jat: "Raj" signifies royal, and "Jat" or "Jaat" means pilgrimage.
Lok Jat: Refers to localized or folk versions of the pilgrimage.
Nanda Devi: A prominent deity associated with the Himalayas, worshipped widely across Uttarakhand.
Overview of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra 2026
The pilgrimage begins at the Nanda Devi Siddhpeeth temple in Kurur village, near Nandprayag, and culminates at Homkund, a high-altitude sacred lake. The journey passes through numerous villages and alpine meadows, including Nauti, Kansuwa, Koti, Kulsari, Bedni Bugyal, Roopkund, and Shila Samudra, before concluding at Homkund.
The unique aspect of this yatra is the inclusion of a four-horned ram (chausingha-meda), symbolizing the divine vehicle of the goddess, which is adorned with offerings and finally released into the wild at Homkund.
The next editions of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat are scheduled for 2026, 2038, 2050, and 2062.
Spiritual Significance
Nanda Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, is revered as the presiding deity of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. She is believed to be making a symbolic journey from her maternal home in Garhwal to her husband Lord Shiva’s abode at Mount Kailash. The yatra reenacts this divine journey. The people of Garhwal, symbolizing her maternal family, offer gifts, prayers, and emotional farewells as she begins her ascent to Kailash.
The journey is spiritually divided into two phases:
-
Mait – Her arrival to her maternal home.
-
Sauraas – Her return to her husband’s home at Kailash.
The pilgrimage is marked by ceremonies, rituals, and devotional songs across every stop, creating an atmosphere of deep religious fervor.
Route and Key Locations
The route traverses through culturally and ecologically significant sites:
-
Kurur Village: Starting point, home to the chief priest (Gaur Brahmin).
-
Nauti Village: Spiritual center and origin of the Nautiyal priest clan.
-
Kansuwa, Koti, Kulsari: Notable for village traditions, rituals, and the joining of other deities.
-
Bedni Bugyal and Roopkund: High-altitude meadows and lakes; Roopkund is famous for ancient human skeletons found near the lake.
-
Shila Samudra and Homkund: Remote, glacial regions where the pilgrimage ends and the chausingha-meda is released.
Along the way, the procession also visits the shrine of Laatu Devta, regarded as the 'dharm-bhai' (godbrother) of Nanda Devi.
Connection with Kumaon: Almora Ki Nanda and Regional Assimilation
In the Kumaon region, Nanda Devi is worshipped along with her sister Sunanda Devi. The pilgrimage holds equal reverence, though it assumes a different form. Major localized yatras include:
-
Almora, Nainital, Ranikhet, Bhowali, and Kichha: Annual processions with palanquins (dola) of the goddess.
-
Pinder and Johar Valleys: Worship through temple pilgrimages to places like Wachham, Khati, Milam, Martoli, and Suring.
In 2002, after nearly 90 years, the "Almora Ki Nanda" and associated deities from Kumaon were officially invited to participate in the Garhwal Raj Jat, fostering cultural unity between Garhwal and Kumaon.
Mahasu Devta Temple Hanol – God of Justice in Uttarakhand
Nanda Devi Lok Jat: The Annual Pilgrimage Variant
In Garhwal
The Kurur Nanda Devi Lok Jat is an annual and shorter version of the Raj Jat. It starts at Kurur and ends at Bedni Bugyal or Balpata Bugyal, without covering extreme altitudes like Roopkund or Homkund. It involves night-long worship at intermediate stops such as Koti and focuses on nearby Nanda Devi temples.
In Kumaon
The localized Lok Jat in Kumaon includes:
-
Processions in Almora and Nainital with the dola of Nanda Devi.
-
Temple pilgrimages in Johar and Pinder valleys.
-
The Saneti Nanda Devi Fair, held every alternate year.
Historical Background and Lineage
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat traces its origin to small community rituals in Kurur village. The royal family of Kansuwa and the Nautiyal Brahmins of Nauti played central roles in establishing the tradition. Over time, twelve Barathogi Brahmin families from twelve villages, as well as Rajput clans like the Rawats and Negis, became custodians of different responsibilities related to the yatra.
In Kumaon, during the Chand dynasty, Nanda Devi and Sunanda Devi were formally worshipped as twin goddesses. King Baz Bahadur Chand introduced the worship of two idols instead of one during his reign (1598–1680 CE), symbolizing a mythological birth of the deities as sisters in royal lineage.
Legends and Mythology
Numerous legends are associated with the yatra:
-
Roopkund Skeleton Mystery: Believed to be dancers turned to stone or victims of divine wrath due to sacrilege.
-
Pregnancy Myth: A tale of a queen’s childbirth mishap that resulted in the death of pilgrims, explaining the presence of skeletons.
-
Tears of the Goddess: Heavy rains at the start of the yatra are believed to symbolize the emotional farewell of Nanda Devi.
Mt. Nanda Devi and National Significance
The Nanda Devi peak, along with its twin Sunanda Devi, is considered the spiritual abode of the goddesses. The surrounding Nanda Devi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected biosphere reserve, underlining the ecological and cultural sanctity of the region.
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat is not merely a religious event but a fusion of myth, culture, ecology, and devotion. Traversing through high altitudes, sacred shrines, and emotional milestones, this 12-year pilgrimage serves as a powerful reminder of the deeply spiritual connection between the people of Uttarakhand and the goddess Nanda Devi. It brings together regions, traditions, and generations in an extraordinary celebration of heritage, endurance, and divine faith.
With its next iteration approaching in 2026, preparations are already underway to welcome pilgrims from across India and the world, ensuring that the legend of Nanda Devi continues to live through the footsteps of her devotees.
Also Read - Syahi Devi Temple, Almora
If you liked this post related to films, then please share it on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram or | Youtube