Uttarakhand is a mysterious land where every mountain tells a story of faith, and every valley whispers tales of the past. Among its numerous mythical stories, such as those of Jeetu Bagdwal, is the holy and sacred Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra. This yatra, which is regarded as one of the Himalayas' longest and most revered pilgrimages, embodies intense devotion, age-old customs, and spiritual grandeur. The Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra is one of Uttarakhand's most cherished cultural and religious festivals. This article explains what it is, where it is held, when it takes place, and its rich history. This spiritual yatra is held once every 12 years, drawing thousands of devotees and travelers from across the world.
<h2 dir="ltr">In which year is the Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra held</h2>
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The Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra is a major Himalayan pilgrimage that is held every 12 years. The next grand Yatra is scheduled in 2026.
This yatra is traditionally expected to take place in the monsoon months of August and September 2026, coinciding with the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada, around the festival of Nanda Ashtami. The event lasts for approximately 19 to 22 days. The precise official dates are yet to be announced by the local temple committees and the Uttarakhand government.
This Yatra is approximately 280 km and begins at Nauti village near Karnaprayag in the Chamoli district, which is considered the goddess Nanda Devi's maternal home. This trek leads devotees through remote villages, dense forests, and high altitudes, such as the breathtaking Bedni bugyal. The pilgrimage ends at the holy glacial lake of Homkund, close to Roopkund (the enigmatic Skeleton Lake), where the last rites are carried out, and the procession's four-horned ram is released to climb Mount Kailash, signifying the goddess's return to her husband Lord Shiva's home. The entire path is a remarkable fusion of extreme physical endurance, cultural legacy, and spiritual commitment.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Historical Significance of the Yatra</h2>
The Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra holds a deep historical and cultural legacy in Uttarakhand. This is one of the oldest known Himalayan pilgrimages, closely tied to the traditions of the Kumaon and Garhwal regions.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Origin in Ancient Tradition</h3>
Long before a formal kingdom rose in Kumaon and Garhwal, the locals worshipped Nanda Devi as the protective goddess of their land. Ancient pastoralist cultures adored the goddess as the protector of wildlife, forests, and valleys. Eventually, that spiritual bond transformed into a formalised emotional connection expressed through annual pilgrimage. As the pilgrimage continued to grow, the number of pilgrims would eventually increase considerably over time.
<h3 dir="ltr">Rise During the Katyuri and Chand Dynasties</h3>
Historically, the yatra reflects the journey of Goddess Nanda Devi, as she returns to her husband Lord Shiva&rsquo;s home. The Katyuri dynasty (7th-11th century). This kingdom supported the village deities and regional festivals, allowing the Nanda Devi worship traditions to solidify. After that, the Chand dynasty played a crucial role. They endorsed and formalised the pilgrimage, giving it a royal and spiritual structure.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Mythology of Nanda Devi&nbsp;</h2>
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According to the mythology, Nanda Devi is deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural beliefs of Uttarakhand. Nanda Devi is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the daughter of King Himavat.
Most people know Nanda Devi as a mythological princess who returned to her own home in the Himalayas after leaving her husband. The representative event for Nanda Devi's journey is the Rajjat Yatra. A large number of her devotees think that as she travels through the villages, she is giving them all her blessings before she reaches her final resting place in Homkund.
According to one version of the legend, the highest point of Nanda Devi Mountain is 7816 m above sea level, and it is therefore also deemed to be the Goddess physically. Since there is no one to guard the summit or any part of the mountain, the mountain is considered to be a sanctuary for the Goddess because of this fact, and the people believe that the Goddess only permits the entrance of those with pure hearts to visit it.
The mythology surrounding Nanda Devi shows how she represents the combination of deity, guardian of the mountains and their environment, and tradition in relation to the divine and the earth.
<h2 dir="ltr">Why the Yatra is Called the &lsquo;Himalayan Kumbh&rsquo;</h2>
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The Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra is also known as &lsquo;Himalayan Kumbh because of its massive scale of people and immense importance. Just like Kumbh Mela, this yatra unites thousands of devotees, saints, local people, and travelers from all over the world. We all know the yatra is held only once every 12 years, which makes it a rare and highly religious event. The main challenge is spanning remote villages, high-altitude meadows.
<h2 dir="ltr">Route Overview and Key Stops of Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra</h2>
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Nauti Village: The starting point of the Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra.
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Kanswa: The yatra moves towards Kanswa, a short initial stretch.
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Sem: Then enters small Himalayan villages. Locals join the yatra, offering prayers and hosting rituals.
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Koti Village: An important place of worship and celebration until the break of dawn or the end of the celebration festival on this night.
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Bhagwati: The route starts climbing upward.
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Lohajang Pass: Through this trail, pilgrims experience stunning views.
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Wan Village: Pilgrims rest and prepare for the high altitude.
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Bedni Bugyal: A high-altitude meadow which is known for its scenic beauty.
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Patar Nachauni: A mystical spot linked with legends. The route becomes more challenging.
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Roopkund Lake: This place is renowned for the hundreds of human skeletons found at its edge.
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Shila Samundra: The trek becomes rocky and glacial.
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Homkund: The ending point of this yatra, where all rituals occurred, and the four-horned ram is free.
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<h2 dir="ltr">Major Rituals and Ceremonies</h2>
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Nanda&rsquo;s Palanquin (Doli) Ritual at Nauti Village
Nauti Village is the starting point for the Yatra, where the holy Doli (Palanquin) of the Goddess Nanda Devi is elaborately prepared and worshipped. In honour of the beginning of the Yatra, people gather together and perform traditional songs and dances, and offer special prayers.
Invocation of Local Deities
In every stop, local deities are invited and join the yatra with Jagar singing, dhol-damau, and sacred chants.&nbsp;
Four-Horned Ram Ceremony
In the months leading up to the yatra, a four-horned ram (chausingha), the goddess's celestial mount, is chosen. The animal's presence symbolises the return of Nanda Devi to her divine realm by accompanying the yatra and subsequently being liberated in Homkund.&nbsp;
Ritual Bath at Various Springs
The pilgrims take ritual baths in the sacred Himalayan kund along the route, such as Wan, Bedni Kund.
Traditional Songs, Dances &amp; Jagar
Throughout the yatra, villagers perform folk dances and songs such as Jagar, Choliya dance, and Bhotiya dance to celebrate the occasion.
Night Ceremonies at Key Villages
At places like Koti, Kurud, and Wan, all-night rituals are held with devotional songs, hawan (fire ritual), storytelling, and the worship of Nanda Devi.
Ritual at Bedni Bugyal
Bedni Puja in Bedni Bugyal is an important event. Prayers to the goddess are made, and her jewellery and other items used in worship are cleaned and adorned during this ceremony.
Roopkund Ritual
At Roopkund Lake, offerings are made in memory of ancient souls found in the region. The place is considered spiritually powerful, and prayers are recited for peace and protection.
Final Immersion Ceremony at Homkund
The last stop, Homkund, is where the final ritual takes place. The four-horned ram is released into this area, which marks the return and special prayers mark the ceremonial conclusion of the yatra.
<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion &ndash; A Journey of Faith, Culture, and Nature</h2>
The Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra is not just a pilgrimage; it&rsquo;s a belief of thousands of people. Every halt reflects the journey of life, and every village contributes its devotion; every ritual connects with centuries of old tradition. Held once every twelve years, this sacred yatra reminds devotees of the eternal bond between Goddess Nanda Devi and the mountain communities who consider her their protector.&nbsp;
The rhythmic beats of dhol-damau to the sight of the four-horned ram ascending towards Homkund. The people, not just the witnesses of the goddess, but also experience breathtaking landscapes.&nbsp;
The Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra is a celebration of human devotion and the grandeur of the Himalayas. This inspiring journey brings people together and continually inspires new generations.
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Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage through Uttarakhand’s mountains. Learn its history, route, traditions, and spiritual importance in simple words.

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