Raj Jat Yatra : Trekking and Cultural Significance

 Raj Jat Yatra,: Trekking and Cultural Significance

Introduction: 

India is a vast country, having  unity.in diversity.So far as cultural, traditional and regional festivals, faiths and Yatras concern, give  a glimpse of history. Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra, in Uttarakhand, India is unique example of devotion to nature and environment.Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is organized once in twelve years in Kumaon and Garhwal regions in Uttarakhand.Although, goddess Nanda Devi is worshipped at many places in Garhwal and Kumaon but the region around Mt Nanda Devi and its sanctuary, which falls in the Chamoli Garhwal district is the prime location related to Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra. The Jaat starts from Kurur village, near Nand Prayag and proceeds towards Nauti village near Karnprayag and goes up to the heights of  Bedni Bugyal, Roopkund and Homkund,the last destination.Now, the Raj Jaat Yatra is set to take place in 2026. This traditional journey rooted in sprituality and cultural heritage, draws thousands of devotees, and adventure enthusiasts from around the world.It is also known as the Mahakumbh of Himalaya

 Spiritual and Cultural Significance

Literally, the yatra started from Nanda Devi Siddha Pith, Kurur, Dasoli Patti, Chamoli, but practically, it proceeds from Nautivillage, under the leadership and control of Prince of Kansua, a member of Royal family. The spiritual guidance and pooja - path, the ritual ceremonies are done by the Raj Purohit Pt Nautiyals along with the responsibility of 12 brahman families, as called barathoki brahmans from their 12 native villages awarded them by the then kingd of Garhwal. These are the spiritual Gurus of the king. The 14 families of Sayanas also co-operate the Yatra who were known as Chaudah Thoki Sayanas,(the Thokdars), have the responsibility to arrange and manage the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra under the leadership of the Prince of Kansua..

The Raj Jat of 2014

The Nanda Devi Rajjat of 2014 trek

Devotees from Kumaon, Garhwal  as well as other parts of India participate in Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra. It is seen in the 2014 Rajjaat Yatra, pilgrims or adventure enthusiasts from abroad also join in big numbers. The procession is led by a 4 horned sheep which has to be born in specific area in Garhwal. The sheep is known as Chausinghiya Meda, (Chausinghiya Khadu) also in local dialect.This sacred animal leads the procession from Nauti Village near Karnprayag for 18 days, doing trek of around 280 km.In olden time, the Yatra was accompained by the specific people but now it is common to all without restriction of caste and creed. As the legends say the yatra once in 12 years  were done in past years as follows:

• 1843,     1863,     1886,     1905,     1925,     1951,     1968,     1987,     2,ooo,     2014.

The next Nanda Devi Rajjaat Yatra is scheduled 2026. Some times, the natural calamities, the ritual calculation reports vary the dates otherwise it falls after a gap of 12 years. The Rajjaat of 2012 was not sanctioned by the calculations of 12 families of Brahmans headed by Nautiyals, 3013 suffered a natural calamity in the month of June in Kedarnath and all Uttarakhand. Due to the heavy rain and cloud burst, which led to major loss of life and property, and caused massive destruction to the region, the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat from 29th August scheduled in 2013 was postponed to the year 2014.

Historical Background:

Nanda Devi Raj Jat 2014

The three week long Nanda Devi Raj Jaat is a pilgrimage and festival of Uttarakhand, India. In the past, The Raj Jaat was celebrated in Chamoli  Garhwal Division, took part in it. Sometimes, during the peaceful period, between the kingdom of Garhwal and Kumaon, the Goddess "Nanda of Almora,"was invited and took part in the Raj Jaat, while mostly, there were seperate Nanda- Sunanda fairs in Kumaon. Off late, after the formation of Uttarakhand, the state government has been trying  bringing the people from     Garhwal and Kumaon together for celebratios and fairs. Hence, in the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat,  held in the year 2000, the Goddess, "Almora ki Nanda" took part after 90 years.and a number of other deities from Kumaon, accompained her.

The journey of Goddess Almora ki Nanda:

Day-1 Almora to Mala Village(Someshwar-Chanoda)

The procession  of goddess Almora ki Nanda starts from Nanda Devi Temple Almora under the leadership of the descendant of the king of Kumaon, Chand Raja. Recently, the decendants of Chand Raja live in Kashipur, Udhamsingh Nagar, (Uttarakhand). During the festival of Nanda Devi, the representative of the descendant of the king family, stay in Almora.Still, they are honoured and respected by the people of Kumaon. The member of the king's family leads the procession and goes via Someshwar to the village Mala, near Chanauda, the symbol of the Nanda palanquin meets one of her sisters, which resides in the temple of Mala Village. It is the first day halt of the Palanquin and all the pilgrims stay there in surrounding villages. 

Day-2: Mala Village to Kot- Bhramari, (Garur-Baijnath)

Next day, the procession with sacred palinquin of "Almora ki Nanda"proceeds from Mala village to Kot-Bhramari Nanda Temple via Chhani-Latu temple, Kausani to Kot Bhramari temple, Garur-Baijnath to meet one of her sisters. It is said the sword, (Katar) also represents the Nanda Jaat from the Kot Bhramari. The Nanda of Almora takes rest here foe the second day. The ritual ceremony is celebrated in the temple. One of the sisters, Nanda, is leaving her maternal home to her husband's home, Kailash and all the family members, relatives and the devotees accompained her to set her farewell.

Day-3: Kot bhramari to Nand Keshari

In the morning, Nanda of Amora, offering prayers and performing rituals in the Kot Bhramari, the abode of Maa Bhagwati in form of Bhawara (bee), bids farewell and moves to Nandkeshari where Almora ki Nanda will meet with the Nanda devi of Nauti and Nanda of Badhan Gari. One more palanquin of Nanda of Kurur meets at Wan Village with the procession.The procession with the palinquin  moves to Gwaldam for a short stay, and proceeds to Nandkeshari, at the bank of Pinder River. This stop  started from the 2000, Raj Jaat for the convenience of Kumaon and Garhwal procession. A large number of people from the nearby villages gather here to look at the palanquin of Almora ki Nanda.The meeting of three deities or Deviyan, is very emotional for all. From this point, the Jaat moves under the Kunwar of Kaswan. The descendant of the king of Kumaon comes back to Almora from Nandkeshari.All the pilgrims halt at Nand Keshari after offering prayers and rituals at Nandkeshari temple.

The Route and Key Stops from Nauti, (Garhwal)

Jaat refers here for Yatra, so Nand Devi Raj Jaat starts from Nauti, is a significant pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, India. The Jaat starts from Nauti Village in the Garhwal Region and followsa challenging route through the Himalayan terrain.The detailed outline of the main routes and key stops, as follows:

Nauti Village:Starting point

The Jaat starts from Nanda Devi Temple, Nauti Village, located near Karnprayag in Chamoli district.The village is considered sacred as t is believed to be the birth place of  Goddess Nanda Devi. A grand ceremony marks the beginning of the journey, with the gathering of devotees and the preparation of the four-horned sheep, called Chausinghiya Khadu in local dialect.

 First Stop-  Ida Badhani:

After departing from Nauti, the procession reaches Ida Badhani, where initial rituals are performed.It is an important stop for resting and preparation for the coming days. The palanquin of Maa Nanda goes to meet the goddess of the nearby Temples of Nanda Devi or Maa Bhagwati of villages Ritholi, Jaak, Siyakot, Kukrai, Kuryani, Kannaud, Chhirkande, and Nairi village and comes to Nauti for stay, the second day.

Second Stop-  Nauti Village:

The palaquin of Nanda Devi moves from Nauti to Kasua village, which is considered her Maternal village with the Raj Chhantoli, in form of Umbrella made of ringal wood covered by a coloured waterproof cloth, and it is in square shape with a long handle to hold it through out the journey. 

  Third Stop- Kasawan Village:

Thus the procession  reaches at Kasawa, the village of the decendant of the king of Garhwal. Nanda Doli also meets the Kul Devi of King OF kaswa, inside the house or palace.The prayer and ritual ceremony are performed at the square point of Baroli-hedi Chauk.

  Fourth Stop- Sone Village:

From Kanswa, the procession goes to Chandpur Gadi, Mahadev Ghat Mandir, Ujjawalpur tok, to Snepue Village for fourth day stop. The Chhatoli of Gairoli and Chaula village also joins the Raj Jaat from here.  The prayer and rituals are performed traditionally in the village.

 Fifth Stop- Koti Village

This sacred place of Maa Bhlagwati is situated at the height of 1630 meters above sea level. The devotees pray and worship here again and again or 100 times for the blessing of Goddess Bhagwati. The villages en route Chulakot,Ghandiyal, Simtoli, Eirwali, Sirpa, Saliyara, welcome the devotees and the Jaat reaches Koti Village through Sitolidhar. Meanwhile, the Chhatoli of Ratura, Khandura, Thapli and the Chantoli of Laatu Devta of Bagoli joins the Jaat. The Dyudi Brahaman worship here.

 Sixth Stop- Bhagoti

The procession proceeds from Koti to  Bhagoti through the villages,Chhakuda, Manora ,Ghatora, Naulapani, Kandwalgaon. This stay of the Jaat is near Narayanbagad. The village Bhagoti is situated at the height of 1500 meters in the left bank of Pinder River. This route from Koti to Bhagoti is 12 km long through the forests, rough treks,and many villages.The Chantoli of Kandwalgaon, Chhakura, and Manora also join here for the Jaat Bhagoti Stop is the last parad of the Nanda devi's Maternal side. After this stop, the in law's side starts. and the sight of in law's home, Kailash is seen. .

 Seventh Stop- Kulsari Village

The Jaat, from Bhagoti goes to kyure and then the area of in law's begins and enters in Sri Gurugarh Patti, Narayanbagarh, Meenggadhera, Harmony, and through Nagar Kotiyala to Kulsari. The jaat takes rest at Kulsari. This route is approachable by road but the pilgrims prefer walking on foot. Kulsari is situated at the height of 1050 meters near the Pinder River. Meeng Nala is the land mark of in law's area. The devotees, and the people from the nearby villages gather here in bulk. Ahuge crowd bids farewell to Goddess Nanda.. Kewar is the last village of maternal side of goddess Nanda. The melodious folk songs of Farewell from Maternal side and the welcome songs from the in law's side present the atmosphere romantic and emotional at that moment.The main ritual is the worship of Kali Pooja and Kali Yantra Puja at the night of Amawasya.(full dark night) Kulsari is 18 km away from Bhagoti.

 Eight th Stop- Cheparyun

The Jaat, from Kulsari goes to Cheparyun through Tharali,- Badhagn-Kedarbagarh- Raribagarh and rest over  for night.This is the shortest trek of 6 km only.Cheparyun is the village of Butola thokdar,out of 14th thokdars. It is customary, the welcome and worship of Raj- Chhantoli and the Palanquin of Raj-Rajeshwari is done seperately by the villagers. The meeting of these two symbolic deities meet at the next halt Nand keshari.

 Nine th Stop: Nandkeshari

The Raj-Chhantoli of Almora Ki Nanda meets the Raj-Rajeshwari and Raj Chantoli aswell as the Nanda of Badhan. All the symbolic of Nandas have a get to gether at Nand keshari. People from Kumaon and Garhwal region gather here to witness the meetings of these symbolic Deities and offer good wishes and seek blessings from the deities.The Chhantoli of Nainital and Martoli- Johar (Pithoragarh) all the Chhantolies meet here with each other. Nand keshari is situated at the bank of Pindar River. This Stop is from Raj Jat, 2000, not earlier. 

 The 10th  Stop: Faldiya gaon.

Faldiya Gaon is near Deval main market at the height of 1480Meters.The residents of this village are Padiyar one of the 14 sayanas, the Thokdars.The plain fields of Purna and the Kunj Bushes have the legends after the war between Mahishasur and Nanda .All the deities from Almora, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh and Nainital all visit this place . From this place , now the kuniyal Brahman hold the charge offering prayers in following journey. The Pananquin of Raj-Rajeshwari leads the Yatra. All the devotees rest here for the night.

 The 11th  Stop: Mundoli

Mandoli is situated at the height of 1750 meters. The weather turns into cold from here. from Faldiyagaon the Jaat, goes through Pilphara- Lwani- Bagarigarh- Padiyar gaon-and reaches Mandoli Village. Maa Nanda is considered the incarnation of Maa Bhagwati who killed the demon Pilhwa at the next village to Faldiyakot, named Pilphara. At Lwadi, the Pooja of Devi is performed and then it moves to the next village Mandoli for rest.

 The 12th  Stop: Baan Gaon.

From Mandoli the Jaat starts through Lohajung-Lwaling- Devichabutara and rests at Baan, at the height of 2450 meters near the Himalayanrange. It is a cold place. At Kachibagar the pooja, worship is performed by the rajgurus. From this place, the seight of Laatu Temple is done. the Jaat reaches at Baan gan for rest. the next day a special worship is performed in Laatu temple by the priests.and the Jaat starts to Himalayan area.The people of Baan arrange the rooms and place for stay for the devotees'of Maa Nanda.

  Main Palinquins and Chhantoliyan.

1-Kurur-Dasholi Palanquin of Raj Rajeshwari

2- Dasham Dwar Nanda Palanquin

3- Kedarkot- Raishchopta Nanda 

4- Nanda Devi of Jasyara

5- Nanda Devi of Kankhul,

6-  Nanda of Lata- Niti Valley (Joshimath)

7- Nanda of Birahi- Gauda

8- Nanda of (Band Area(Joshimath) 

9- Nanda of Farswan Phant (Dasoli)

10- Jakh Devta (Dasholi)  ki Doli)

Other Palanquins (Doliyan) and Chhantoliyan:

Pauliyan ki Chhantoli, Hindoli (Dasholi) ki Nanda, Lasi ki Chhantoli, (Farswan Phat, Dasholi),Kothi- Mainthana ki Chhantoli (Pankhanda), Nauna- Dasholi ki Chhantoli, representing Badrinath, Kot-Dangoli ki Chhantoli and Katar (Bageshwar), Syari, Bhiti, Bhagwati, Lakhi, Danu-Roopdan Bura (Ghat) Nanda ki Chhatoli, Tyuna ki Chhatoli, Sainji ka Surya Bhagwan, Almora ki Nanda etc, more than 200 Chhantoliyan move along the Jaat..     These all the Dolies and Chhantoliyan join in the rituals at Laatu Sidhpith at Baan Village and proceed to the hard trek to no man's land under the leadership of Baan ka Laatu, the symbolic brother of Nanda.

 The 13th  Stop: Garoli Patal

Gaurali Patal is at the height of 3021 meters from sea level, a lush green forests. You can see the peaks of Himalayas from here. The journey moves from Baan village after ritualsat Latu temple is over to Ran ki dhar- Kail Ganga- Dwaniger- Neel Ganga- Jauldhara-and reach at Garoli Patal rest over the night. The pilgrims offer prayer at Kail Ganga for their ancestors. The journey passes through the hard climb. The travellers rest under the deodar trees in the night. In 2014 Raj Jaat, the government of Uttarakhand has arranged tents for the Doli and Chhantoli bearers. But some tents were also available for common  pilgrims. Most of the pilgrims move along with their own arrangement of tents used in high-altitude.

Now, the cold and snow area starts but it was 25th of August, 2014, when we reached at Garoli Patal. Partially rain and partially the sun is the common sinario in high-altitude and mostly the sky is covered with clouds.The hide and seek of clouds with drizzling is very common in Himalayan belt. In 2014, Raj Jaat, the number of pilgrims were more than double, so it was not possible  the tents for all, neither the space available at Garoli Patal. So, the administration and the yatra samiti decided to send the pilgrims except the doli and Chhantoli bearers, to Bedni Bugyal and arranged tents for them there. The beauty of Bedni Bugyal and Bednikund is beyond description.

 The fourteen th Stop: Patar Nachaunia

The height of Patar Nachonia from sea level is 3650 meters. It's primary name was Niralidhar, There are huge number of Silayei or stones in the surrounding..The legends say, the bolders are the symbols of the dancers of Yashodhawal, the king of Kannoj who ruled over the ethics of Yatra and the curse of Devi turned them into stones in 9th century, when he joined the Raj Jaat. Chhantoli Joins at Patar Nachonia: The Sutol (Ghat), area Chhantoli of Dhyosingh and Bhausingh joins at PatalNachoni with the Raj Jat, the last symbol in the Jaat.

The movement is through Bedni Bugyal and Bedni Kund where the Jaat stay for rituals. The prince of Kaswan offers Tilpatra, Tarpan and rituals for his ancestors as customary and then, the Jaat moves forward for the night halt at Patar Nachonia which is an important stop along the Raj Jat route.The mystical aura associated with the legend and the natural beauty of the location make it a memorable stop for participants. The journey from here to Roopkund becomes more challenging due to the increasing altitude and rugged terrain, making Patarnachonia a critical point for acclimatization.

 The 15th  Stop: Shila-Samundra

Raj Jat starts from Patar Nachonia early inthe morning through Kaluwa  binayak - BaguaVasa- Swelfara- Chhirinag - Roopkund- Jyuragali dhar and reports at Shila Samundra. This trek is one of the most difficult treks, full of adventure, unfavourable condition of weather, in this Jaat.- Jura Gali is at the height of 17000 feet, then the slope down to Shila Samundra, the sea of rocks brought by glaciers break.It's a wide and large ground filled with large bolders, the streams, brooks flow underneath the Shila Samundra and the Nandakini River emerges from this point. The Jaat rest here for the night and the Chhantolies are left here. In 2014 Raj Jaat, the officials and the Yatra samiti has made a good arrangement of Bhandara and tents to stay in for the night.About 20000 people were accompanying with the Jaat.

In 2014, due to heavy rush, we didn't stop at Patarnachonia, but moved on to Baguabasa and most of the people took shelter in the natural caves there for the night.These caves having large space were The caves are found in large numbers there.under the rocks and safe to live in. The legend say, these are the shelter of the tigers, the ride of the Devi

Homkund- the Last Destination

Next day, early in the morning, .the Jaat moves to Homkund ascending about 3 km climb at Dhopiyadhar, we reach Chhota Homkund in the middle of the mountain. In 2014, at the height of 4061 meters from sea level and at the back of Trishule Parvat. The Rajkuwar, and the Nautiyal brahmans team along with the Chausingiya Khadu (the four horned Sheep), the Palanquins (Doliyan),  Raj Chhantolies,didnot move forward as the remaining trek of main Homkund was broken and barren to pass through. The administration didn't allow to proceed further. So, the rituals were performed at this Chhota Homkund, and the four horned sheep was left alone there.The immersion rituals is the end of the Jaat, (journey). The scene dedicates to Nanda Devi, giving her farewell to her parental home which creates an emotional situation.Mostly the people shed tears and bid goodbye to Maa Nanda Devi.

The 16th  Stop: Chandaniya-ghatt (Returning Trek from Homkund)

From the last destination, all the pilgrims descending to the foot hill of Dhopiyadhar move to Jamandali also known as Chandaniya- Ghatt. This is the 16th Stop of Raj Jaat or the first stop after immersion of Chhantolies at the height of 2,192 meters. On the other hand, the the Doli of Raj-Rajeshwary of Kurud goes back to Debrada temple for six months rest. After six months, again Debdoli moves to Kurur, its original abode. Chandaniyaghatt is the place where the guards and volunteers of Devi stay casually.So, it is customary to stay in the forests of Chandaniyaghatt. In 2014, the weather being unfavourable, the pilgrims were advised to move 9 km advance and rest at Latukhopari for the night. Thus, some changes are done for the safety purposes. The trek passes through the dense forests of mainly Bhoj patra.The trek seems to be risky as the glaciers burst some time over the height.Latukhopari is a plateau type slope and safe for halt.

The 17th Stop: Sutol (Ghat-area)

From Latakhopari, the  Jaat moves through Tadadhyosingh temple-Confluence of Bhujani- Roopganga and Nandakini reach at Sutol rest for the night. The doors of the Dhyosingh and bhyonsingh are opened only for the Jaat and again closed till next Jaat. They are considered the symbolic brothers of Nanda Devi and Rajrajswari. The Bhoj-patra trees are in abundant in the forests. The confluence of Roopganga and Nandakini is seen at a short distance from this place.The priests, the Brahmans, bid farewell to all the deities, who accompanied in the journey and thank them for their blessing to complete the journey comfortably. The Jaat stops here for the rest at night.

The 18th Stop: Ghat (Vikasnagar)

From Sutol, the pilgrims move to Ghat through the dense pine forests via Kanol-Gulari along the right side of the river Nandakini via Sitel. Ghat is situated at an altitude of 1,331 meters and connected with the major cities by road. But most of the pilgrims prefer to take rest at Nandprayag and Karnprayag. Some of the pilgrims ,now, move to their homes. But the journey is not finished yet. The last destination is Nauty, where the Bhagwat Puran is being organised for the welfare of the journey (Raj- Jaat). and the prince of Kaswan will be present for donation (Dakshina) at Nauty for thanks.

The 19th Stop: Nauty, the finishing point

Nowt the conveyance is properly available from Ghast,, so, the pilgrims mainly the Barathoki Brahmans and Thokdars as well as the members of the Yatra samiti ,afew in numbersmove to Karnprayag via Tefana- Nandprayag- Lagasu. It is customary, that the Dyudi Brahman give fare-well to Bara thoki brahamans at Karnprayag..They depart to their homes.Now, only the Raj Kunwar of Kaswan and The Nautiyals,the,  kulpurohit (the main priest) move to Nauty via Eda Badhani-Jakh for rest at Nauty.

At the arrival of the Rajkunwar, the Bhagwat Puran continues at its last episode. In the presence of Kunwar, again at the place of  Maa Nanda Sriyantra, prayer is offered and final worship is done. The Bhagwad Puran is now ends with Brahm Bhoj and the priests are presented the Dakshina by the Kunwars and members of the royal families.Thus, the Raj Jaat is considered to be over. The prasad from Homkund is distributed among the people. 

The Farewell of Rajkunwar

The Raj-guru Nautiyals , the next day blessing the Kunwar families depart to their homes. It is a memorable Thanks Procession at Nauty. A numbers of villagers of the nearby villages, the old, men, women, young, the children of Nauna, Mayadikhet, Burakholi, Kund, Bunga welcome the Raj-Kunwars and bid them farewell.The prasad is distributed to all the relatives and friends. Thus the historical, cultural, traditional and adventurous journey is considered to be over.

References:

A- 12 Families of Brahmans (Bara Thoki Brahman)

1-Nautiyal                             2- Devali                      3-Gairola                          4- Thapaliyal

5- Nawani                              6- Dyundi                     7-Khanduri                       8- Maletha

9- Semwal                            10- Sati                           11- Dimari                        12- Hatwal

B- Chaudah Salane (14 Sayane, The Royal Families)

1-Gaur Brahman of Kurur                 2- Hatwal of Devrada               3- Mahar Rawat of Meta

4- Kulekhi Rawat of Bheta                5- Butola Rawat of Trikot          6- Bhandari of Adra

7- Kathait of Pastoli                           8- Kholiya Rawat of Maal          9- Sreshth of Devalkot

10- Parihar of Faldiya village           11- Kulsara of Kulsyari                12- Butola Rawat of Chapadyu.

13- Butola Rawat of Gerur                14- Parihar Bisht of Pengarh