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What is the story about?
Uttarakhand’s iconic Nanda Devi Raj Jat yatra, one of the most demanding and revered religious pilgrimages in the Himalayas, has been deferred to 2027, citing unfavourable weather conditions and incomplete infrastructure in high-altitude areas.
The decision was taken unanimously by the Raj Jat committee during a meeting held in Karnaprayag in Chamoli district, as per news agency PTI.
Announcing the postponement, Raj Jat committee chairman Rakesh Kunwar said the pilgrimage, originally scheduled for August–September this year, will now be organised next year. “The decision has been taken unanimously,” Kunwar said.
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat yatra, which takes place once every 12 years, traverses snow-bound Himalayan peaks and alpine meadows, halting at over 22 locations. It is widely regarded as the longest and most arduous foot pilgrimage in the region. The yatra was last held in 2014.
Weather and infrastructure challenges
Kunwar explained that the auspicious dates for the pilgrimage this year fall on September 19–20, a period when weather conditions in the higher Himalayan reaches are particularly harsh.
"During this time, there is a possibility of hailstorms, snowfall, and rain, the cold intensifies, and construction work related to basic facilities in the still uninhabited areas has not yet been completed," he was quoted as saying by PTI.
Read more: Western disturbances to bring rain and snow to Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal
"In such circumstances, it did not seem possible to conduct the Nanda Devi Raj Jat yatra safely, so it has been postponed this year,” he added.
Next steps for 2027 yatra
Preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage will formally begin on January 23, coinciding with Basant Panchami.
Raj Jat committee chairman Kunwar said a ceremonial vow will be taken in Nauti village, where the royal prince of Kansuwa village in Garhwal will offer prayers at the Shri Nanda Devi Temple and announce the programme based on astrological calculations.
He added that no official schedule had been finalised for this year, as it was to follow traditional rituals on Basant Panchami.
Wildfires and environmental stress in Nanda Devi region
The postponement also comes amid growing environmental stress in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
Forest fires have erupted unusually early this winter due to scant snowfall and low rainfall, leaving forests dry and highly inflammable, according to a report by India Today.
Read more: Vande Bharat Sleeper flagged off: Features, route, timings and more
Environment experts warn that this trend has to be checked while stressing the need to increase surface soil humidity through measures such as water holes and trenches. The fires have raised fresh concerns over ecological fragility in the region, adding context to the cautious approach adopted for the pilgrimage.
The decision was taken unanimously by the Raj Jat committee during a meeting held in Karnaprayag in Chamoli district, as per news agency PTI.
Announcing the postponement, Raj Jat committee chairman Rakesh Kunwar said the pilgrimage, originally scheduled for August–September this year, will now be organised next year. “The decision has been taken unanimously,” Kunwar said.
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat yatra, which takes place once every 12 years, traverses snow-bound Himalayan peaks and alpine meadows, halting at over 22 locations. It is widely regarded as the longest and most arduous foot pilgrimage in the region. The yatra was last held in 2014.
Weather and infrastructure challenges
Kunwar explained that the auspicious dates for the pilgrimage this year fall on September 19–20, a period when weather conditions in the higher Himalayan reaches are particularly harsh.
"During this time, there is a possibility of hailstorms, snowfall, and rain, the cold intensifies, and construction work related to basic facilities in the still uninhabited areas has not yet been completed," he was quoted as saying by PTI.
Read more: Western disturbances to bring rain and snow to Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal
"In such circumstances, it did not seem possible to conduct the Nanda Devi Raj Jat yatra safely, so it has been postponed this year,” he added.
Next steps for 2027 yatra
Preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage will formally begin on January 23, coinciding with Basant Panchami.
Raj Jat committee chairman Kunwar said a ceremonial vow will be taken in Nauti village, where the royal prince of Kansuwa village in Garhwal will offer prayers at the Shri Nanda Devi Temple and announce the programme based on astrological calculations.
He added that no official schedule had been finalised for this year, as it was to follow traditional rituals on Basant Panchami.
Wildfires and environmental stress in Nanda Devi region
The postponement also comes amid growing environmental stress in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
Forest fires have erupted unusually early this winter due to scant snowfall and low rainfall, leaving forests dry and highly inflammable, according to a report by India Today.
Read more: Vande Bharat Sleeper flagged off: Features, route, timings and more
Environment experts warn that this trend has to be checked while stressing the need to increase surface soil humidity through measures such as water holes and trenches. The fires have raised fresh concerns over ecological fragility in the region, adding context to the cautious approach adopted for the pilgrimage.
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