Nanda Raj Jat Yatra concludes in Uttarakhand

Dehradun, Sep 7 (IANS) The famous Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, held every 12 years, concluded in the hill state of Uttarakhand on Saturday.

Millions of people participated in the yatra which passed through 20 ‘padaav’ (places) after beginning from Nauti village Aug 18.

Officials said more than 20,000 devotees participated in the yatra and walked along the tough route, while lakhs turned up in major towns when the ‘doli’ of the goddess passed from there.

People offered jewellery and dresses to the goddess as she is believed to be going to her ‘sasural’ (in-laws’ place) from her ‘mayaka’ (mother’s home).

People turned emotional and prayed to the goddess to return after 12 years again and bless them.

The speciality of this yatra is that hundreds and thousands of people of the hill state who have migrated to other places for job also return to take part in the pilgrimage.

The yatra begins from Nauti village and goes up to the heights of Roopkund and Homekund with a four-horned sheep.

After the rituals are over, the sheep is freed with decorated ornaments, food and clothing.

The Nanda Raj Jat Yatra was originally scheduled for June 2013 but was rescheduled for August this year, following the heavy rains and floods that killed hundreds of people.