Nanda Devi, a manifestation of goddess
Parvati, is revered as the Blessed Mountain Mother goddess, who resides in
Nanda Devi, one of the Holiest Mountains of the Himalayan chain. The name Nanda Devi means 'the bliss-giving goddess'. She is primarily a benevolent deity, but at times she can take on the form of
Durga, the wrathful goddess. Villagers sacrifice goats and buffalos to her on certain festivals or when they want to atone their sins.
Once every twelve years, thousands of devotees, many of them barefoot, accompany palanquins with images of the goddess, taking her home to the mountain bearing her name. The people of the region also view Nanda Devi as a benevolent source of life and renewal.
