It is one of the greatest mysteries of our times. It has been chronicled so much by historians, sociologists and scientists, alike that one can find internet abuzz with the different stories and theories. Hence makes not point for me to try to tell the history, at least not more than this that lake is usually called the ‘Mystery Lake’, since centuries old human skeletons and remains of horses are found here. By most accounts, these skeletons are almost 1200 years old. But besides this, Roopkund is also one of the most fascinating treks in Uttarakhand Himalayas, so much so that it always ranks among the top 10 treks in Indian himalayas. Hence it was always in my wish list for years, that ultimately got fulfilled. Roopkund in this reference also becomes a mythological place and it ind...
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नंदा होमकुंड से कैलाश के लिए विदा हो गईं- रास्ते के तमाम कष्टों व तकलीफों को झेलते हुए। लेकिन नंदा को पहुंचाने होमकुंड या शिलासमुद्र तक गए यात्रियों के लिए नंदा को छोड़कर लौटने के बाद का रास्ता ज्यादा तकलीफदेह था। भला किसने कहा था कि चढ़ने की तुलना में पहाड़ से उतरना आसान होता है! चंदनिया घाट से लाटा खोपड़ी और फिर वहां से सुतौल तक की जो उतराई थी, वैसी विकट उतराई ट्रैकिंग के बीस साल से ज्यादा के अपने अनुभव में मैंने कम ही देखी-सुनी हैं। मुश्किल यह थी कि इसका किसी को अंदाजा भी न था। डर सब रहे थे ज्यूंरागली को लेकर और हालत पतली हुई नीचे उतर कर। ज्यूंरागली का अर्थ स्थानीय भाषा में मौत की गली होता है। रूपकुंड की तरफ से चढ़कर शिला समुद्र की ओर उतरने का यहां जो संकरा रास्ता है, ऊपर धार (दर्रे) पर मौसम का जो पल-पल बदलता विकट रुख है, उन सबको ध्यान में रखकर इसका यह नाम कोई हैरत नहीं देता।...
Read MoreRajjaat concludes amidst enthusiasm braving tough weather Thousands of people gave an emotional send-off to their mythical daughter Nanda Devi at Homkund at an altitude of almost 16 thousand feet right at the base of Nanda Ghunti peak (in Uttarakhand in Himalayan India), bringing to close a much awaited Nanda Devi Rajjaat Yatra which takes place in not less than 12 years. Called as Himalayan Kumbh and longest religious procession in Asia, this 290 km Yatra started from Nauti near Karnprayag in Uttarakhand on 18th August and ended at same place on morning of 7th September after customary rituals. Nanda was bid adieu at Homkund on 3rd September. Comparing to last two occasions in 1987 and 2000, number of pilgrims as well as the Chantolis (canopies) representing various goddesses in Ku...
Read MoreWith rains relenting a bit on Saturday (16th August 2014), the festivities of Nanda Devi Rajjaat Yatra took off with a religious fervor when mythical four-horned sheep and the Raj Chantoli (a small palanquin with Nanda Devi’s small decorated idol) of Nanda Devi reached Kansuwa village near Nauti in Uttarakhand. Kansuwa is village of descendants of erstwhile royal family (raj kunwars) who have been traditionally organizing the Nanda Devi Rajjaat. Earlier both the sheep and the Chantoli were brought to the Adi Badri temple where they were received by the Kunwars of Kansuwa represented by Dr. Rakesh Kunwar who is also the president of Nanda Devi Rajjaat Yatra organizing committee. After traditional rituals and offerings, they were taken to Nauti. Traditionally the four horned sheep leads t
Read MoreAfter two years of postponement the eagerly awaited Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra will finally take place from 18th August to 6th September this year. The Nanda Raj Jat takes place once every twelve years - the journey starts from Nauti village (Karnaprayag district of Uttarakhand state in India) accompanying a mythical four-horned sheep and Doli and all sorts of gifts for Nanda Devi, who is treated as a daughter revisiting her mother. Last Yatra happened in 2000. Hence it was originally scheduled in 2012 but was postponed due to Malmaas (one inauspicious month) in that year. Hence rescheduled to happen in 2013, again last year it was postponed due to natural catastrophe (flash floods) in Kedarnath area, which created widespread destruction and huge loss of life and property across Himalayan...
Read MoreThe Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, which takes place in Uttarakhand state of Himalayan India, once in 12 years and was scheduled for August 29 this year, has been finally cancelled. Since roads and bridges along the yatra path were damaged in the floods in June, and were unsafe to use. It is considered to be one of the longest religious processions in the world. Strangely just twenty days back it was decided that Yatra won’t be postponed. On 26th July it was said that it would be a low-profile event but will happen on schedule. But it seems that after long deliberations with the government and within the community, it was decided that cancelling the Yatra is best possible option in the current scenario. In few days, a new schedule for the Yatra shall be announced. In the meantime, on 26t...
Read MoreThe famed Nanda Devi Jaat Yatra, held after every 12 years in Uttarakhand hill state of north India, will not be postponed in wake of the recent rain tragedy in Kedarnath, Chamoli, Rudraprayg areas, which left scores dead and entire hill state shaken. Although, district authorities have suggested keeping it at a local level this time saying they are not in a position to handle big crowds. The Nanda Raj Jaat, known as the Kumbh of Uttarakhand, is slated to be held from August 29 to September 16, 2013. The 280 km and 19-day trek starts from Nauti village and reaches Homkund through Bedini Bugyal, Roopkund and the very difficult Gali pass. The yatra will be organised as per schedule though there was a proposal to postpone it. We spoke to the local people who want it to go on. It is a rel...
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