Goddess Nanda Devi is worshipped at dozens of places in Kumaon, but the region around Mt. Nanda Devi and its sanctuary, which falls in the districts of Pithoragarh, Almora and Chamoli, is the prime area related to Nanda Devi. In Chamoli Nanda Devi Rajjaat is organized once in 12 years (last time in 1987 after 19 years).

The jaat starts from Nauti village near Karnprayag and goes upto the heights of Roopkund and Homkund with a four horned sheep. People living in the Pindar valley villages of Almora district used to participate in this festival. People also celebrate the annual Nanda jaat. Though in the Johar region there is no tradition of Nanda jatt but the worship, dance and the ritual of collecting Brahmkamals (it is called Kaul Kamphu) is part of Nanda festivals.

Since then, the tradition of the Jat has continued to this day. After every 12 years, it orginates from Nauti after elaborate rituals. The image of the Goddess and offerings are taken in a procession, accompanied by bare footed devotees. The followers observe self-control, partaking of food prepared according to prescribed religious instructions only and participate in fervent rendition of devotional songs and dances. The entourage halts at night. People from villages on the way turn up in large numbers, have darshan and make offering to the deity. Many people join the group and remain with it till the yatra conclude.

Chhiplakote is situated in the heart land of Kali and Gori rivers, south of Panchchuli mountains. The highest point of this mountain - Najurikund (4497m) - is the seat of Chhipla Kedar. The people of 15-20 villages of Dharchula and Gorikhal regions reach Kedardwe and Najurikote every third year (last 1999) on Bhado Puranmasi. The principal yatras starts from village Khela near Twaghat. It goes through thick forests, rockeylands and Bugyals.

People go there barefoot even in these days. The dhami burha or bonia (folk priest) finalizes the dates of the jaat. With folk drums, bhankaras (metallic pipe instrument) and neja (the flag of red cloth pieces collected from all the families of the villages) the jaat goes to Barmano, which is 6 Km from Khela.
On the second day the yatris go through a thick oak forest. After crossing Bunga, Garapani, Mangthil gwar, Ganbhujdhura (the blooming bugyal) comes Brahmkund. For this point one can have a glimpse of Chaudans region and the peaks of W. Nepal.

On the third day the route is on the back of Najurikote, which is full of buggi grass and brahmkamals (Saussurea obvallata). At Kedardwe pond sacred dips are taken and the worship is performed. For the night, the yatris have to come back to Brahmkund. On this day one has to trek about 35 Km.
On the fourth day after seeing Jyulital and Patojkund the Jaat reaches Bhaiman Kund (16 Km). This small lake is like Brahmkund. A night stay is possible in the cave.
On the fifth day, one can reach Baram in Gori valley after seeing the Kanar devi temple. If some one wants to remain with the jaat, he can come back to Khela and participate in the village fair. Chhipla Jaat express different aspects of human faith. The bare foot journey, worship, bath, collective food, songs and dances and the possession of the body of Bonia by the folk god are the essential parts of Chhipla Jaat.

The Hilljatra, which is being celebrated in some parts of Pithoragarh districts, is essentially the festival of pastoralists and agriculturalists. In the developmental process, the aathon (eight day of bhado) and Gawra Visarjan also became the part of Hilljatra. The festival, which basically came to the or valley from the Sorar (Mahakali) region of W. Nepal, was first introduced in Kumor village. The Jatra was also accepted by the people of Bajethi, another village near Pithoragarh town and with some modification it was introduced in Kanalichhina and Askot regions as Hiran chital.


The Hilljatra is related to ropai (the plantation of paddy) and other agricultural and pastoral labours of the rainy season (Hill = mud, Jatra = Jaat). It has also been connected with the victory of the Champawat ruler.

In the Chaudans region of Pithoragarh district, a flower - Kandali (Strobilenthes wallichii) - blooms once every twelve year (last in 1999) and the people celebrate Kandali festival between the month of August and October. In the week long festival the local people - shaukar or the Rangs - participate with gaiety and enthusiasm in different villages of the region.


The festival begin with the worship of a Shiva Linga made of Barley and Buck wheat flour mixture. Local liquor is traditionally used during this festival. Every household performs it in a decorated corner of the courtyard. People pray for prosperity. The individual Poojas are followed by a community feast. Then, the women and men, in that traditional dresses and laden with gold and silver ornaments, assembled around a tree on a sacred ground of the village. Strips of white cloth are tied to the tree and a flag is raised.