By the hill folk, the Devi is considered as the Isht-Devi.
The royal family of Garhwal conducts the Nanda Raj Jat to please the Isht-Devi, in order to seek blessings for a prosperous kingdom and the defeat of their enemies.
Nanda devi - the goddess, ( Gaura) daughter of Kings of mountains - is the spiritual goddess for natives of Garhwal and Kumaon region. She was married to ash-smeared, leopard skin wearing yogi ( lord Shiva).
The goddess visits her mothers place in these mountains in Bhado - months of August - and her visit is rejoiced by local citizens as a festive time.
Every 12-years this occasion becomes all more important and hence the Yatra.