Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra 2013
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra : Mid Aug to 9 Sept 2013
Nandadevi Raj Jat is an important religious event of Garhwal region of Uttrakhand. It involves a long trekking for taking the areas reigning deity Goddess Nanda to her divine destination of Gaungati peak which is believed to be the abode of her consort, Lord Shiva.
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According to the folk songs sung at Nauti during the Jat, King Shalipal of Chandpur Garhi directed his royal priests to worship the Goddess. The image of the Goddess and offering are taken in a procession, accompanied by bare footed devotees. The entourage halts at night in villages. Some 300 idols and decorated umbrellas assemble at Wan.
The Jat concludes on the 22nd day (Nandastami) at Home Kund, about one km from the foot hills of Nanda Ghunti - Trisuli peaks. Rupkund lake (skelton/mystery lake, 5030 m) is at the base of Zorawar gali. Before reaching the final destination, the Jat has to cross the crucial Zorawar gali/Rupkund cliff (5348 m) which is difficult to negotiate.
The priests and devotees at Home Kund offer special prayers and rituals and load their offering on the four horned ram. The Goddess is decorated in special bridal make up and is given a tearful farewell. The peak is a part of Nanda Parvat which is the highest mountain of the Chamoli district and is widely revered by one and all. Women of the area believe that the mist around the Nanda Kot peak is the smoke coming out of the kitchen of Goddess Nanda.
Yatra Information
* Event Date : 9 Sept 2013 (Nandastami, once in 12 years). Yatra begins 22 days before Nandastami from Nauti village (25 km from Karanprayag/280 km from Homkund).
Bageshwar to Gwaldam and then to Debal (45 km) by bus. Travel by jeep to Mandoli and then to Wan. Wan has basic accommodation & food. Telephone facility, mobiles will not work beyond this village.
Wan to Bedni Bugyal (3350 m, 14 km) : 6 hour. Bedni Bugyal to Bhagwa Basa (4100 m, 5 hour). Then to Roop Kund and back (10 km, 9 h). Zorawar gali (5348 m) is the highest point near Roopkund on the way to Homkund. Bhagwa Basa to Wan in 8 hour. Roopkund Lake is at the foot of Trishul (7122 m) peak. To and fro 4 days trek from Wan (Homkund).
Four horned ram
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Flowers of Himalaya (High Altitude)
