ETW Staff– Mumbai
Uttarakhand’s historic ‘Shri Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra’ has commenced on August 18, 2014. The Yatra, also known as the moving Himalayan Mahakumbh, started amidst all proper rituals from Nauti village (20 km of Karnaprayag Tehsil of Chamoli district). Shri Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, which stretches for three long weeks, is a globally renowned pilgrimage of Uttarakhand that takes place after every 12 or more years. Apart from the pilgrims of Garhwal & Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand and the rest of the country, tourists from around the globe participate in the sacred Yatra and stands witness to the culture, beauty and faith of the Himalayan state.
This spiritual Yatra is an arduous journey (a trek) of around 280 kilometres, and the three weeks of Yatra is packed with the exposure of Garhwali and Kumaoni culture, ethnic lifestyle and endemic flora and fauna of the region. Majority of the Yatra route is along the Pindar valley. The journey absorbs the rainbow like beauty of traditions of the Himalayan society, and a deep feeling of faith and reverence for Nanda Devi in Himalayan folk lore reflects the respect held for women in Uttarakhand.
Kunwars (members of the royal family) of Kansuva, Uttarakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi, state finance minister Indira Hridayesh, state tourism minister Dinesh Dhanai and Uttarakhand assembly deputy speaker Anusuya Prasad Maikhuri were present on the occasion.
