Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra from July 11

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KULLU, JUNE 21

The religiously significant and one of the most difficult pilgrimages Shrikhand Yatra to the 18,570 feet Shrikhand Mahadev peak in Anni of this district will be organised from July 11 to 24.

Registration to begin within a week

• The online registration for the devotees will begin within a week
• The pilgrims will have to upload their medical fitness certificate in addition to the registration fee of Rs 200
• Five base camps will be set up where facilities of registration, medical check-up, information on yatra, rescue teams, emergency equipment, medicines, etc, will be available.

This decision was taken at a meeting convened to discuss the preparations for the yatra held under the chairmanship of Shrikhand Yatra Trust Chairman Kullu DC Ashutosh Garg in Nirmand yesterday.

Anni MLA Kishori Lal Sagar was also present. The yatra was not organised during the last two years because of Covid outbreak.

The DC said the administration had started preparations for the yatra. The online registration for the devotees will begin within a week. The pilgrims will have to upload their medical fitness certificate in addition to the registration fee of Rs 200. Five base camps would be set up during the journey in which facilities of registration, medical checkup, information related to the yatra, rescue teams, emergency equipment, medicines, etc, would be available.

The DC said nobody would be allowed to go on yatra without registration and action be taken if anybody was caught flouting the norm. A special team would also be formed to maintain cleanliness.

Devotees reach Shrikhand by trekking about 25 km. The trek takes around 3 to 5 days starting from Jaon in Nirmand.

During the narrow, steep and difficult climb, devotees get to see majestic and enchanting landscapes. After visiting beautiful places like Singhgad, Thachdu, Nayan Sarovar, Bheemdwari and Parvati Bagh, the devotees pay obeisance to 72-foot-high lingam of Lord Shiva in the Shrikhand Mahadev peak.

Some adventure seekers move for the yatra in the first week of July even before adequate arrangements are made to facilitate the trekkers.

Several trekkers suffer sickness due to high altitude and cold weather. Many pilgrims have lost their lives in the past while undertaking the strenuous trek. The administration, police and the health department make appropriate arrangements of security and medical facilities for the pilgrims and the trekkers.