Dehradun: Two major religious events are to be held in Uttarakhand in the next two years. Along with the Chardham Yatra, the Dhami government has already started preparations for these events. Next year i.e. in 2026, the world’s largest religious pilgrimage on foot, Nanda Rajjat Yatra, will be held. Ardh Kumbh is to be held in Haridwar in 2027.
CM Dhami held a preparation meeting for Nanda Rajjat Yatra
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today on Friday held a meeting for the preparations of Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra at the State Secretariat. The CM held a review meeting with the concerned officials at the State Secretariat. Now let us tell you what is the world’s longest religious pilgrimage on foot. Where is this journey organized.
Nanda Rajjat Yatra will be held in 2026
Uttarakhand’s famous Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra is organized every 12 years. The last yatra was held in 2014. Now this yatra is to be held in 2026. Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is a religious yatra of Goddess Nanda in Uttarakhand. This yatra starts from Nauti village of Karnaprayag in Chamoli district. The yatra concludes at Homkund beyond Roopkund. The total distance of this religious yatra is about 280 km.
Nanda Raj Jat Yatra is held every 12 years
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is led by a four-horned ram (Chausingya Khadu). Along with this are the Rawal or chief priest of Nanda Devi temple, who keep the silver idol of the goddess. Nanda Devi Lok Jat Yatra associated with this yatra is also organized every year. Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is not only a religious event, but it is also a cultural tradition that has been going on for generations. People from all over the country and abroad come to participate in this yatra. The troupes singing bhajans and kirtans related to Maa Nanda throughout the way do not let one feel tired. It is believed that Nanda Raj Jat Yatra brings prosperity and blessings to the region.
280 kms are covered in about 3 weeks
Nanda Raj Jat Yatra starts from Nauti village near Karnaprayag in Chamoli district. On the first day, the Yatra reaches Ida Badhani from Nauti. On the second day, the Yatra reaches Nandkesari from Ida Badhani. On the second day, the night halt is at Nandkesari. On the third day, the Yatra reaches Faldia from Nandkesari. On the fourth day, the journey takes place from Faldia to Mundoli. On the fifth day, the Yatra reaches Van from Mundoli.
The Yatra concludes at Homkund
On the 6th day, Nanda Raj Jat Yatra reaches Bedni Bugyal from Van. On the 7th day, the Yatra reaches Pathar Nachauni from Bedni Bugyal. This is a route with a steep climb. On the 8th day, the night halt is at Bhagwabasa from Pathar Nachauni. The higher Himalayas start from here. On the 9th day, Nanda Raj Jat Yatra from Bhagwabasa reaches Roop Kund and from here it reaches Shila Samudra. Roop Kund is a place full of mysteries. On the 10th day, the journey is completed by reaching Hom Kund from Shila Samudra. The return is from the 11th day to the 19th day.
This is why Nanda Raj Jat Yatra is done
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is based on mythology. This story is from the time of Mahabharata. According to mythology, Nanda Devi, sister of Lord Vishnu, was married to a demon king named Shahsur. Shahsur was a cruel and tyrannical ruler. People were troubled by his atrocities.
We express gratitude towards Mother Nanda
Nanda Devi could not bear the pain of the people. She asked Lord Vishnu for help. On Nanda Devi’s request, Lord Vishnu took the guise of a sage. Lord Vishnu, dressed as a sage, challenged Shahsur to a battle. This is how Shahsur was destroyed. Now Nanda Devi started living in the Himalayas for the people. In this way, Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is for the people of Uttarakhand to express their gratitude to Mother Nanda for their protection.
