900 pilgrims embark on Shrikhand yatra

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, July 15

The 10-day Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra began in Kullu district on Monday. Every year, the pilgrimage is organised by the Kullu administration between July 15 and 25, depending upon the weather conditions. The administration sets up medical camps and rescue posts in the area for devotees as it is considered one of the toughest pilgrimages.

Ani MLA Kishori Lal flagged off the yatra from the base camp at Shinghad. He was accompanied by Ani SDM Chet Singh and other officials.

Today, as many as 900 devotees started their pilgrimage from Shinghad towards Shrikhand Mahadev.

For their safety, the administration has set up four camps on the way to Shrikhand Mahadev at Shinghad, Thachru, Kunsha and Parbati Baag.

Rescue and medical teams have been deployed at each camp to provide immediate assistance to the pilgrims.

Ani SDM Chet Singh said adequate arrangements had been made for the safety of devotees in the region. “Porters and expert rescuers have been deployed in the area, besides medical facilities at each camp,” he added.

The devotees need to get their medical check-up done first and ensure registration with the local administration at the base camp. The 35-km harsh track from Jaon under Nirmand is not meant for the faint-hearted. Medically unfit people are not allowed to move towards the shrine.

The Chief Medical Officer at the regional hospital in Kullu said: “We have deployed a team of doctors and paramedical staff at each base camp to provide medical assistance. Pilgrims are advised to get tests done before embarking on the journey.”

The track to Shrikhand Mahadev is not easy and precautions are a must. It is one of the abodes of Lord Shiva and is considered a revered pilgrimage place for Hindus. The 72-ft Shivalingam is situated at a height of 18,750 ft.