Despite the recent disaster in Pindar Valley, the age-old tradition of the Nanda Devi Lokjat is being carried out with devotion and enthusiasm. Villagers are not only keeping the cultural heritage alive but also praying to the goddess for peace and prosperity in the region. On Sunday, the sacred Nanda Devi palanquin, which began its journey from the Kurud Siddhpeeth, reached Kothi village after rituals at Chepda, marking the eighth halt of the pilgrimage.
With support from ITBP and SDRF personnel, the palanquin crossed a makeshift bridge at Pranmati Gadere before reaching Kothi. Later, the procession moved to Dharatalla village in Dewal block, where residents welcomed the goddess with chants, devotional songs, and offerings. Women performed traditional rituals, sang mangal geet, and presented ornaments and adornments to the deity.
The villagers decorated the procession with garlands, drums, and devotional dances. Local leaders, including village head Lakshmi Devi, Kalam Singh, Yashwant Singh, and Janki Devi, participated in the celebrations. Devotees from Kothi, Gwaldam, Chidga, Sarkot, Kalyani, and Ooni also gathered for prayers and offerings.
On Monday, the palanquin is scheduled to proceed from Dharatalla to Beradhar, where traditional Athwad rituals and a night-long Devi Jagran will take place. Priests and custodians of the goddess, including Mansa Ram, Kanhaiya Kumar, Kalika Prasad, Laxmi Prasad, Dhani Ram, and Yogesh Kumar, are accompanying the sacred journey.
