Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra concludes

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Kullu, July 27

Pilgrims, numbering 8,509, including 346 females, took part in the famous Shrikhand Yatra this year.

The yatra, which officially began on July 14, concluded today. Nirmand SDM Manmohan Singh said 3,653 persons had registered online, while 4,856 were registered offline for the yatra. The highest number of 2,106 pilgrims was recorded on the first day of the yatra.

The 32-km-long yatra to 18,570-foot-high Shrikhand peak, to pay obeisance to 72-foot-high lingam of Lord Shiva, is counted among the most difficult pilgrimages of North India. It generally takes around three to five days to complete the yatra, starting from Jaon in Nirmand. The devotees have to cross glaciers and slippery narrow paths.

This year five casualties took place on the Shrikhand Mahadev trek route. However, four of these had happened even before the official commencement of the yatra.

The SDM said, “No one was allowed to go on the yatra without registration and medical check-up. The police, Home Guard jawans, rescue teams and medical staff were deployed at all five base camps established by the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Trust so that the pilgrims could get immediate relief in any trouble. There was a provision of staying in the tents and food. Everything was available at fixed prices.”

The food was available for Rs 265 at Parvati Bagh, Rs 235 at Bheemdwari, Rs 200 at Kunsha, Rs 175 at Thachadu and Rs 95 in Singhgad. Similarly, tea was available from Rs 43 to Rs 13 at various base camps. Bedding was from Rs 290 to Rs 106. Free langars were also set up by the devotees at various places on the way.

Many types of temporary stalls and kiosks were established at the base camp at Singhgad. Puja material, prasad, pictures of Shrikhand Mahadev, umbrellas, sticks, torches and local early-variety apples were also sold at these places, also providing employment to people of the area.

This year as well, the administration gave importance to maintaining cleanliness and garbage disposal bags were provided to pilgrims to bring back their waste. Even various organisations and NGOs carried out cleanliness drives in the area. This year, there was no hindrance in the yatra due to adverse weather.