Shrikhand Mahadev yatra begins, pilgrims told to exercise caution

Kullu, July 14

Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh, who is also the chairperson of the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Trust, flagged off the Shrikhand yatra from Singhgad in the Nirmand subdivision today. Around 700 devotees commenced the pilgrimage in different batches.

Most difficult pilgrimage

• The yatra is counted among the most difficult pilgrimages of North India. Devotees reach the 18,570-ft Shrikhand peak after a 32-km arduous trek, which takes around three to five days. The journey to pay obeisance at the 72-ft-high lingam of Lord Shiva starts from Jaon in Nirmand. Last year, the yatra remained largely suspended due to inclement weather
• The devotees have to cross many glaciers and slippery narrow paths. Many travellers have lost their lives due to altitude sickness and lack of oxygen. This year, four persons have already died en route to the sacred peak. In 13 years, around 35 devotees have lost their lives during this pilgrimage

The DC appealed to the devotees to cooperate in making the yatra successful by following the guidelines of the administration. She also urged the devotees to avoid littering on the way and handed them carry bags to collect their waste.

The DC said the online registration portal had been enabled for the pilgrimage and more than 4,000 pilgrims had registered themselves for the yatra so far. She added, “Offline registration is also being done in Singhgad and no pilgrim should embark on the yatra without registration and mandatory medical check-up.”

The DC said depending upon weather conditions, the yatra would continue till July 27. She said base camps had been established at Singhgad, Thachadu, Kunsha, Bhimdwari and Parvati Bagh. She added that the police, medical and SDRF teams had been deployed at every base camp.

Nirmand SDM and vice-chairman of Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Trust Manmohan Singh welcomed the DC and informed her about the arrangements for the pilgrimage. He also urged the devotees not to travel during the night.

The yatra is counted among the most difficult pilgrimages of North India. Devotees reach the 18,570-ft Shrikhand peak after a 32-km arduous trek, which takes around three to five days to complete. The journey to pay obeisance at the 72-ft-high lingam of Lord Shiva starts from Jaon in Nirmand. Last year, the yatra remained largely suspended due to inclement weather.

The devotees have to cross many glaciers and slippery narrow paths. Incidents of fatal falls during the journey are also very common. Many travellers had lost their lives due to altitude sickness and lack of oxygen. This year, four persons have already died en route to the sacred peak. Many locals setup tents to facilitate the pilgrims, while some enthusiasts begin the yatra before it officially commences. In the last 13 years, around 35 devotees have lost their lives during this pilgrimage.

Despite hardships, hundreds of travellers and pilgrims pay obeisance to Lord Shiva and witness majestic and enchanting landscapes during their journey.