Press : Shri Tarun Vijay regarding Nanda Raj Jat Yatra next year in Uttarakhand

Press release by
Shri Tarun Vijay MP and BJP National Spokesperson

President Mukherji may create cultural history by joining
World’s longest Nanda Raj Jat Yatra in Uttarakhand

Tarun Vijay met President with 15 member cultural ambassadors’ delegation
To invite and seek his attention for success of Yatra

5^th October, 2012- New Delhi — President Pranab Mukherji may create a cultural history by joining world’s longest spiritual Yatra next year in Uttarakhand. An extraordinary cultural delegation of Uttarakhand’s cultural ambassadors, writers and editors were simply overwhelmed with the unusual warmth shown by President Pranab Mukherji, who assured Shri Tarun Vijay, MP, (Uttarakhand) to come and join Nanda Raj Jat Yatra next year. The delegation met the President to formally invite him for the world’s longest spiritual Yatra ie Nanda Raj Jat Yatra in their state.

This is world’s longest spiritual - Yatra, which involves 280 kms of trekking in high altitude mountains, to be completed in 19 days. The Yatra symbolizes the return of the daughter of Uttarakhand, Ma Nanda Devi, to Kailas, the abode of Shiva every 12^th year.  It is also a story of the difficult life of Uttarakhand’s women and their emotional bonds with their mother as in pursuit of employment their entire life is spent away from their mother’s home. Occurring every 12^th year, with a recorded history that goes back to around 1400 years, It is also called Himalaya Kumbh of Uttarakhand. The Yatra passes through most difficult terrains in the Himalaya, like Roop Kund at an altitude of 17,500 ft and completes at Hom Kund.

After the formation of Uttarakhand, is being held first time in the state and hence an enhanced sense of festivities and preparations.  Shri Tarun Vijay, MP (Uttarakhand) has been campaigning for the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra's successful completion, which will be celebrated next year in August 2013, since last six months as Chairman of Shri Nanda Raj Jat Poorv Peethika (preparatory) Committee.  The time of preparations is hardly three months, beginning next March, because in winter no work can take place in the upper regions of Garhwal. Under his leadership the 15 member delegation of various cultural streams, including the President of the Traditional Nanda Raj Jat organizing Samiti, Kumaon, Almora Shri Prabhat Shah Gangola and internationally famous Jagar singer Smt Basanti Bisht, met the President Shri Pranab Mukherji today at Rasjhtrapati Bhawan and formally invited him to join the Yatra at a point where he can come on helicopter.  Smt Basanti Bisht enthralled the President with her rendition of Nanda Devi hymns in Garhwali language.

The President showed his keen interest and blessed the efforts. He said that such Yatras are a great occasion for national unity and social harmony and he would certainly examine if he can join this fantastic spiritual journey. He also received blessings of Ma Nanda Devi from spiritual leaders in the delegation.

(O.P. Kohli)
Headquarter Incharge