NANDA RAJ JAAT: The World’s Longest Pilgrimage on Foot

Abstract

Nanda Raj Jaat is the world’s longest, most adventurous, expensive and one of the most hazardous pilgrimages. It is a 280km long journey, conducted barefoot in the Himalayan region of UttarakhandState of India. It is dedicated to the Himalayan Goddess Nanda whose identity is somewhat ambiguous. Some take her to be a local princess while the others consider her to be an incarnation of Parvati the daughter of Himalaya and the consort of Lord Shiva. The entire pilgrimage is a ritual enactment of bidding farewell to Devi Nanda from her parental house to her Husband’s house. The annual Jaat is conducted every year, but every twelfth year or when there is a dosha (divine affliction) in the region or a ChausinghaKharu (four horned ram) is born, it is believed that the Goddess is asking for manauti (offerings). This yatra is attended by local deities and common people and enjoys Royal patronage. It is surcharged with rituals and emotions. It is reflective of human relationships and the importance of Dhiyani (an out-married sister). The present paper is based on the secondary sources available on Nanda Raj Jaat. In the end the researcher has tried to draw an Anthropological Analysis of this major Hill Ritual which is now drawing international attention because of its unique nature and magnitude.