AFZAL FAUJI | Nainital
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is scheduled to resume on June 30 after being stalled for about four years since the Covid-19 pandemic. Those who pass the health checkup in Delhi will be included in the groups permitted to undertake this pilgrimage. The Central and State governments have made elaborate arrangements to make this Yatra secure and convenient.The agency organising the Yatra in Uttarakhand, the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) has also undertaken various steps. Its managing director Vineet Tomar said that the Yatra will begin from Delhi on June 30.
The first group will travel from Tanakpur to Dharchula and Gunji and then proceed towards Kailash Mansarovar. On the return journey, the group will also visit prominent temples in Kumaon including the Kainchi Dham before reaching Delhi. Tomar further informed that so far five groups have been made for the pilgrimage with each group to have 50 members each. The road facility is being improved in order to minimise inconvenience to the pilgrims. Compared to past years, the condition of the roads in the remote areas has been improved, he said.
The KMVN will welcome pilgrims who arrive here for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the traditional Uttarakhandi style after applying a Tilak on them. During the pilgrimage, they will also get a chance to witness the culture and heritage of the State. According to officials, the pilgrims will be served Uttarakhandi food at places where accommodation has been arranged for them. They will also be introduced to the folk culture of the State.
Officials further informed that during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, along with the deployment of security forces, the local administration and personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will also be deployed to assist the pilgrims undertaking this Yatra. Medical teams and helicopter facility will also be made available on the Yatra routes. In addition to this, the government is also focusing on environmental conservation. Considering this, the pilgrims have been appealed to shun plastic during the pilgrimage.
It is pertinent to mention here that while Hindus belive Kailash to be the abode of Lord Shiva, the mountain and Mansarovar lake are also held sacred by Buddhists and Jains.
