Yatra to the Holy Kailash Mansarovar Restarts After a Six-Year Hiatus on Ground Report's Platform
Fresh Tone:
Hey there! It's great news that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a much-awaited pilgrimage suspended for six long years, has finally resumed! The sacred journey, halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions following the Galwan Valley clash, is now open, allowing devotees to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime trek to Mount Kailash. Join us as we share the first glimpses from our ground report of this majestic Parvat.
On June 21, the first batch of Indian pilgrims commenced their journey via China's Tibet Autonomous Region through the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. This year, 750 pilgrims were selected from over 5,500 applicants through a computerised lottery. Organized yearly by the Ministry of External Affairs between June and September, the yatra is occurring this time through two designated routes: Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. The pilgrimage spans around 23 to 25 days and includes a challenging 45-km trek.
We've caught up with several pilgrims at various stages of their journey.
Pilgrims, visibly emotional, were seen chanting "Har Har Mahadev" and "Om Namah Shivaya", and sprinkling holy Ganga water at the banks of the sacred Mansarovar Lake. Although bathing in the waters is prohibited, devotees believe that even setting foot at the lake washes away lifetimes of sins.
A participant shared with us, "The entire cosmos is said to be centered around Kailash. It's believed to be the center of the universe. Now that we are here, words fail us. We are astounded."
Another devotee expressed, "The greatest power I've discovered is that of Lord Shiva's blessings."
A woman pilgrim added, "The youngest in our group is 20 years old, and the oldest is 69. Every member of our batch has completed the parikrama successfully. It's nothing short of a divine blessing."
One of the most moving images captured was that of an elderly lady who had taken a vow of silence, the maun vrat.
Though she did not speak, her hand gestures conveyed deep devotion. She raised her hands to the sky and brought them down over her head, accepting blessings. With a gentle smile and folded hands, she stood still as droplets of sacred water shimmered on her skin.
As the yatra progresses, diplomatic cooperation and logistical arrangements ensure a smooth and safe encounter for the pilgrims, with regular flights between India and China being planned soon [2]. The yatra's resumption signifies positive signs of improving relations and growing people-to-people exchanges between India and China [3]. This spiritual journey carries a profound emotional significance for the pilgrims eager to undertake this sacred trek after a prolonged hiatus due to pandemic and geopolitical challenges [1][5].
The spiritual journey of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, having resumed after a long hiatus, offers a unique opportunity for pilgrims to not only explore the majestic landscapes but also immerse themselves in religious practices, as evidenced by the devotees chanting mantras and sprinkling holy water. For some, it's a chance to connect with the cosmic energy of Mount Kailash, while for others, it's a testament to Lord Shiva's blessings.
As the yatra progresses, the resumption of the journey also signifies positive steps towards improving relations and growing people-to-people exchanges between India and China, making this travel not just a spiritual pilgrimage, but also a symbol of diplomatic cooperation.
