Controversy Over the Year of Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, Kumaon Side Demands आयोजन in 2026

Almora/Dehradun.
The issue regarding the year of organization of Uttarakhand’s most sacred, historic and longest high-Himalayan religious pilgrimage, the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, has sparked serious debate. The yatra is held once every 12 years and is deeply rooted in ancient religious beliefs, symbolizing the ceremonial farewell of Goddess Nanda to her in-laws’ home. Historically, the rulers of Kumaon’s Chand dynasty and the Kunwars of Kansuwa have shared equal participation in this revered tradition.

Traditionally, the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra originates from Nauti village in Garhwal and Almora in the Kumaon region, reflecting the joint spiritual and cultural heritage of both regions. The yatra holds immense religious, mythological and cultural significance, with the faith of millions of devotees across Uttarakhand closely associated with it. As per the established 12-year cycle, the next Nanda Raj Jat Yatra is due to be organized in 2026.

However, the Nanda Raj Jat Committee, Garhwal, has reportedly taken a unilateral decision to hold the yatra in 2027, without holding consultations or discussions with the Nanda Raj Jat Committee of Kumaon. This decision has been strongly opposed by the Kumaon side, which views it as a violation of age-old traditions and an act that hurts public religious sentiments.

Expressing his concern, Narendra Chandra Raj Singh, the youth prince of the Chand dynasty of Kumaon, stated that any alteration in a tradition that has been followed for thousands of years would amount to playing with the religious faith of the people of Uttarakhand. He emphasized that the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra must be conducted strictly according to its fixed 12-year schedule. Changing the timing of such a sacred pilgrimage, he said, would not only hurt religious sentiments but also adversely impact its mythological and historical legacy.

He further pointed out that since ancient times, two royal “Chhantoliyas” representing the kings of Kumaon and Garhwal have jointly symbolized and led the yatra. In such a scenario, taking a one-sided decision without mutual consent is inappropriate. Narendra Chandra Raj Singh warned that if no consensus is reached soon, the Kumaon side would proceed to organize the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra from Kumaon in 2026, respecting public sentiments and long-standing traditions.

He also informed that a meeting with the State Government will be held soon to seek an amicable and timely resolution to the issue. Additionally, he appealed to the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Committee, Nauti (Garhwal) to reconsider its decision and arrive at a unanimous conclusion through dialogue with all stakeholders.

According to the Kumaon representatives, organizing the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra in 2026, in line with tradition, is essential for preserving Uttarakhand’s religious, cultural and historical heritage. Any decision related to this sacred pilgrimage must be taken collectively, keeping in mind centuries-old customs and the deep faith of millions of devotees.