Nanda Devi Jagar — Traditional Garhwali Bhajan
About this Bhajan
Traditional Garhwali Jagar (shamanic invocation bhajan) of Nanda Devi — Uttarakhand's state deity and divine daughter of the Himalayas — sung during the Raj Jat Yatra and auspicious occasions.
Garhwali Nanda Devi Jagar — Raj Jat Yatra — Bedni Bugyal — Homkund — Himalayan Shakti invocation
Nanda Devi, Parvati, Uma, Bhagwati
Significance & Importance
The Nanda Devi Jagar is one of the oldest living oral traditions of the Himalayan world. 'Jagar' (from Sanskrit Jaagaran — awakening) is a form of ritual invocation unique to Garhwal and Kumaon, where a Jagariya (oracle-singer) accompanied by a Hudkiya (drummer playing the huduk drum) calls the deity to inhabit the body of a devotee, deliver blessings, and speak through them. The tradition dates back over a thousand years and is classified as part of India's intangible cultural heritage.
Nanda Devi — identified with Parvati, Uma, and Bhagwati — is not just a deity but the beloved daughter of the Himalayas herself, revered as the older sister who goes to her husband's home (the high Himalayan peaks, associated with Shiva). The 12-yearly Raj Jat Yatra is the grand symbolic occasion when Nanda is sent back to her divine abode — a deeply emotional, community-wide event where the goddess is simultaneously honored and bid farewell.
This particular Jagar invokes Nanda's presence at the Bedni Bugyal meadows (a key stop on the Raj Jat route), at Homkund (the final destination), and connects her to Kedarnath and Tungnath — affirming the entire Garhwali sacred geography as Nanda's domain. The four-horned Chausinghiya Khada (ram) that leads the Raj Jat procession is seen as Nanda's own vehicle, and its appearance in the bhajan reinforces the mythological narrative.
Singing this Jagar at home is believed to invite Nanda's blessings for family welfare, protection from mountain spirits, and spiritual guidance for the souls of deceased family members.
English Transliteration
Jai Nanda, Jai Nanda, Jai Nanda Bhawani,
Himachal Ki Beti, Devbhoomi Ki Rani.
(Hail Nanda, hail Nanda, hail Nanda Bhawani,
Daughter of the Himalayas, Queen of Devbhoomi.)
Bedni Ke Bugyal Mein, Phool Bikhre Teri Yaad Mein,
Homkund Ko Jaati Hai Teri Palkein.
(In the meadows of Bedni, flowers scatter in your memory,
Your eyelids journey towards Homkund.)
Garhwal Ki Dharti Par Teri Pooja Karein,
Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Mein Teri Jaya Bolen.
(On the land of Garhwal we worship you,
In Nanda Devi Raj Jat we chant your victory.)
Char Singa Khada Chalda Aage Aage,
Nanda Ki Palki Chalti Parbat Mein Raage.
(The four-horned ram walks ahead and ahead,
Nanda's palanquin moves through the mountain's melodies.)
Uma Parvati Shail Suta Nanda,
Kedarnath Ki Shakti, Tungnath Ki Vanda.
(Uma Parvati, daughter of the mountain, Nanda,
Shakti of Kedarnath, glory of Tungnath.)
Jai Nanda, Jai Nanda, Jai Nanda Bhawani,
Himachal Ki Beti, Devbhoomi Ki Rani.
(Hail Nanda, hail Nanda, hail Nanda Bhawani,
Daughter of the Himalayas, Queen of Devbhoomi.)