Delegation meets Maharaj over exclusion of Kurud and Dewrala from Raj Jat route map

PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

A delegation from the Nanda Devi Rajrajeshwari Siddh Peeth Kurud Temple Committee met Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj on Friday and raised concerns regarding the exclusion of Kurud and Devrala from the official map of the upcoming Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra 2026. The delegation informed the minister that the State government has confirmed the organisation of the Shri Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra in 2026. As part of the traditional rituals, the royal representative from Kunswa travels from Nauti to Nandkesari to offer prayers and vows at the Siddh Peeth in Kurud. This practice involves the royal family’s Kuldevi and is carried out by priests from the Gaud and Brahmin Badhaan communities of Kurud, following an age-old tradition. The representatives explained that every year a Lokjat is held from the Siddh Peeth in Kurud and every 12 years the Raj Jat takes place. However, they pointed out that despite Kurud and Dewrala being significant religious and traditional stops, they have not been marked on the official pilgrimage map for the 2026 Rajjat, which is being promoted as a Himalayan Mahakumbh. The committee urged the minister to ensure the inclusion of both Kurud and Dewrala as major halting points in the official map of the Rajjat Yatra. Maharaj assured the delegation that the issue will be examined and further action will be taken accordingly.