Chamoli, July 26, 2013: The famed Nanda Devi Jaat Yatra, held after every 12 years in Uttarakhand, will not be postponed in wake of the recent tragedy but 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. 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 religious issue and local sentiments are attached with it. It was scheduled in 2012 but was postponed then due to Malmaas (one inauspicious month)," Rakesh Kunwar, president of Nanda Raj Committee, told PTI. 

Normally thousands of pilgrims from across the world take part in the march. However, the district administration has warned that they are not in position to handle large gatherings hence the yatra should be held at a local level. 

"It is difficult but the yatra will go on as of now. After the natural calamity and continuous rains and landslides the road network is badly damaged. We cannot handle big crowds and even mini vehicles won't be allowed. We have suggested to allow only locals and fit people. For the first time there will be a database of all the pilgrims," Chamoli DM S A Murugesan said. 

"Due to bad weather we could not do the minimum preparation needed. If they organise it on big scale, it will be risky," he said. 

A meeting will be held soon to discuss the arrangements, precautions and security measures of the yatra. 

"This is a religious issue and government cannot interfere in this. We are appealing people to organise it at very small scale. There will be additional precautionary measures but it will be decided after the meeting," said Ram Chandra Bhardwaj, deputy director Uttarakhand Tourism. 

Organisers have requested the state government to involve ITBP for handling the security aspect. 

"We must take extra precautions after the Kedarnath tragedy. We urge the state government to involve ITBP jawans to assure safety of this yatra," Kunwar said. 

Nanda Devi is the supreme goddess of locals of Garhwal and Kumaon region. She visits her maternal dwelling in these Himalayan heights in Bhadrapad (August and September) and the festival is celebrated by the natives in every 12 years.

Source: The Times of India, July 26, 2013