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Goddess Nanda Devi is worshipped at dozens of places in
Kumaon, but the region around Mt. Nanda Devi and its
sanctuary, which falls in the districts of Pithoragarh,
Almora and Chamoli, is the prime area related to Nanda
Devi. In Chamoli Nanda Devi Rajjaat is organized once in
12 years. The jaat starts from Nauti village near
Karnprayag and goes upto the heights of Roopkund and
Haemkund with a four horned sheep. After the havan-yagna
is over, the sheep is freed with decorated ornaments, food
and clothings and the other offerings are dischared.
People also celebrate the annual Nanda jaat.
Though in the Johar
region there is no tradition of Nanda Rajjaat but the
worship, dance and the ritual of collecting Brahmkamals
(it is called Kaul Kamphu) is part of Nanda festivals.
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