Garur. A joint meeting of Kumaon and Garhwal divisions was held at Maa Kot Bhramari Block Auditorium regarding preparations for the upcoming Maa Nanda Raj Jat Yatra 2026. In the meeting, detailed discussions were held on arrangements for the yatra including security, traffic management, halting facilities, and amenities for pilgrims. Office bearers and committee members of both divisions resolved to work in coordination to ensure the successful conduct of this grand religious journey.
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Devotees’ Procession Reaches Maa Kot Bhramari
A convoy of over 100 devotees from Almora, under the banner of Maa Nanda Devi Temple Committee, reached Maa Kot Bhramari with chants of “Jai Maa Nanda.” Along the entire route, devotees created a deeply spiritual atmosphere with continuous devotional chants.
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Leaders and Dignitaries Present
The meeting was organized under the leadership of Minister of State (Independent Charge) Shiv Singh Bisht and chaired by Dr. Rakesh Kunwar. Raja Saheb and all other dignitaries were welcomed at the event.
Prominent attendees included: Fair Committee President Manoj Verma, Secretary Manoj Sanwal, Dhirendra Pratap Singh Raja Bhaiya, Anoop Sah, Harish Bisht, Harish Bhandari, Almora Mayor Ajay Verma, State Vice President & former MLA Kailash Sharma, former MLA Raghunath Singh Chauhan, former State Minister Bittu Karnataka, former Cooperative Bank Chairman Lalit Latwal, Media In-charge Jagat Tiwari, Gram Panchayat Member Kapil Malhotra, Trilochan Joshi, Namita Joshi, Rohit Shaili, Mohan Bhandari, Abhishek Tiwari, Dinesh Mathpal, Minister of State Ganga Bisht, Rajendra Bisht, Paritosh Bisht, Raksheet Sah, Jagdish Nagarkoti, along with representatives from Champawat, Ranikhet, and Bhawali.
Also present were former MLA Lalit Farswan, Bhuvan Nautiyal, Garhwal division representatives Kunwar Rakesh, Munna Verma, Gopal Rawat, Shobha Arya (Zila Panchayat President Bageshwar), former Dewal Pramukh D.D. Kuniyal, MLA Bageshwar Arya, Govind Singh Bhandari (Chairman, Padav Committee), Block Pramukh Kishan Dudhiya, Janardan Lohani, Anshul Sah, Deepak Pant, Mohil Sah, MLA Almora Manoj Tiwari and MLA Bageshwar Parvati Das.
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Key Suggestions for the 2026 Yatra
The meeting began with Bhuvan Nautiyal sharing the history and significance of the Raj Jat Yatra. He informed that the yatra spans nearly 200 kilometers on foot through some of the toughest Himalayan terrain.
Manoj Verma (Almora President): Special arrangements must be made by the administration for devotees carrying “Chhantoli” (sacred offerings).
Ex-MLA Kailash Sharma: Every halt along the route must be decorated, and public representatives should actively participate.
Ex-MLA Raghunath Singh Chauhan: The Raj Jat Yatra is ancient and should be recognized nationwide as a cultural heritage. Everyone must work together to make the 2026 yatra grand.
Mayor Ajay Verma: Experience from the 2000 Raj Jat Yatra will help make this event better organized.
Rajpurohit Representative Vinod Kumar Joshi: As natural calamities are a risk, the government must increase the budget for safety measures.
Kunwar Rakesh (Garhwal Rep.): This is the biggest Himalayan pilgrimage; it must be organized more gloriously this time. Pilgrims should join as per their capacity.
MLA Parvati Das (Bageshwar): Collective cooperation is necessary for the success of the yatra.
Ex-MLA Lalit Farswan: All devotees will be welcomed warmly in Katyur Valley. Alcohol consumption must be strictly banned during the yatra.
