In Himalayas, the nature, the people and the festivals are so interwoven that they exhibit a mystical aura and divine feel.
Nanda Devi Raj Jat or Nanda Devi Royal Procession which is held once every twelve years can be christened as the Kumbh of the mountains.
Nanda Devi, the incarnation of Goddess Parvati is considered as the beloved daughter by the devotees who gather at Nauti village near Karnaprayag to perform the ceremonial rites of escorting the goddess with her dowry to her in-laws place i.e. to Shiva’s abode.
In an arduous 280 km. trek stretching about ten days, hundreds of devotees make their way past the Bedni bugyal and Roopkund to the plains of Shila Samundra. Then they pass over to Kwari Pass to the final destination of Homkund lake, which is flanked by Trishul peak on one side and Kamet on the other.
The colourful and beautifully decorated doli of the Goddess along with a four-horned ram moves majestically with the procession. After worship, people bid emotional farewell and return.
Next Raj Jat Yatra will be in 2012.
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