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Nanda Raj Jat |
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Nanda is
the daughter of
Himalayas and married to Lord Shiva who
lives in his abode in
higher mountains. Every year a small Yatra and every
twelve years a Big Yatra
(pilgrimage) is undertaken . The small Yatra
is conducted from Kurur Village to Baitarani and the
Big yatra from Nauti village (said
to be the home of
parents of Nanda) to
Homekund at the
base of
Nandatrisuli
peak
lead by a four horn ram.
It is sponsored by the Kunwars (erstwhile rulers of the area) that
is why called Nanda Raj Yatra . Whenever a four
horn ram takes birth in
the area, it is believed that
Nanda has arrived
to her parent's
home. Beautifully decorated golden
idol of Nanda is carried in a
Palanquin by
bear footed
devotees followed by
procession of colorful
folks carrying idol of local
Gods upon their
shoulders, singing
and dancing to the
musical tune of
local instruments.
The ram is loaded with the
goodies necessary for the
journey of Nanda.
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Womenfolk sing
emotional farewell songs to send off Nanda as if their own dughter is
going to her in-laws home . |
The
118 Km long
Yatra passes through the
beautiful valley
of magnificent
meadows
of Bedeni Bugyal frequented by colorful birds like
Monal and musk Deer with
panoramic view of snow clad
peaks
of Nandadevi, Trisual, Chaukhamba
Panchchuli etc. Nanda of Almora and
Ranchula Kote
joins at a place called Nanadkeshari. Latu was the the cousin
of Nanda who once, under the influence of some intoxicant created nonsense
at the time of her farewell and confined to a temple in Ban village. He is
freed only once in the year to meet his sister but his Nishan (Flag)
leads the procession. |
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The pilgrimage
concludes on 22nd day (Nanda Ashtami) at Homekund
at the foot hills of Nanda-Trisuli peaks after crossing
over the mysterious ( human and horses skeletons are
lying there) Roopkund cliff. A special puja is
offered and Nanda is decorated in bridal
make-up and given a tearful farewell. The image
of Goddess is left there and the four horn ram proceeds towards the
peak on its own and devotees return to their homes awaiting
the next pilgrimage after twelve years.
Last Big Yatra was
held during September, 2000 in which about 50000 people took part.
Next yatra will be held in 2012.
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Travelogue