When we see the doli of Maa Nanda Devi moving during a yatra, the villagers say with devotion, “Maa is going, Maa is coming.” For them, the doli is not just wood and cloth – it is the goddess herself. Interestingly, in Tibet and nearby regions like Lahaul-Spiti, there is something very similar. It is called the Lha rten.
The Maa Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is one of the biggest and most sacred pilgrimages of Uttarakhand. It takes place once in 12 years and covers a long journey from Nauti village in Chamoli to the remote high-altitude lake of Homkund, near Roopkund. On this divine yatra, the doli of Maa Nanda Devi travels through many villages, halts at several sacred places, and joins with other yatras on the way. Among these halts, Nandkesari holds a very special place, both spiritually and culturally.
Nanda Devi Mahotsav, also called Nanda Devi Mela, is the biggest cultural fair of Almora in Kumaon. It happens every year around Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami, also known as Nandashtami. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Nanda and Sunanda, who are worshipped as Kul-Devis of Kumaon. The heart of this celebration is the Nanda Devi Temple in Almora town. The festival normally runs for five to seven days. During this time rituals, fairs, folk music, jagar singing and processions take place. Thousands of devotees and tourists join to take blessings of the Goddess.
The Chipko Movement is one of India’s biggest environmental movements. It began in Uttarakhand Himalaya during the early 1970s. The word Chipko means “to hug.” Villagers hugged trees to save them from being cut by contractors.
Uttarakhand is known as Devbhoomi, the land of gods. Every valley, every village here has its own local deity. Among them, one of the most important and respected is Bhumiyal Devta, also known as Kshetrapal Devta. The word Bhumiyal itself means the protector of land. People believe these deities guard the fields, forests, animals, and the lives of villagers.