3 pilgrims die en route Shrikhand Mahadev shrine in HP''s Kullu

Dipender Manta
Tribune News Service
Mandi, July 28

Three pilgrims, including two from Delhi, died while undertaking the Shrikhand yatra to the 18,000-foot Shrikhand Mahadev peak in the Anni subdivision of Kullu district on Saturday night. 

The pilgrims, identified as Upender Saini, a resident of Khalini in Shimla district, and Keval Ram and Aatma Ram from Delhi, apparently died of extreme cold, Ani SDM Chet Singh said. He, however, added that the cause of their death would be ascertained after the post-mortem examination report. 

Considering the tough terrain, it will take one or two days to bring the bodies down to the base camp, the SDM said.

The bodies would be handed over to victims’ families after the post-mortem, he added.

The 35-km trekking to Shrikhand Mahadev begins from Nirmand, Kullu. Though the district administration sets up rescue posts with police personnel, doctors and paramedical staff for the convenience of pilgrims, many casualties are reported every year.

The adverse climatic conditions and high-altitude pose a threat to the devotees. Despite hardships, hundreds of pilgrims go to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva.