Shrikhand Yatra likely to be held early this year

This year the revered Shrikhand Yatra is likely to commence earlier than last year, although the final schedule will depend on the weather. Traditionally held in July over a span of around 15 days, many dedicated pilgrims often begin the journey as early as mid-June even when official advisory is against it.

Last year, the yatra ran from July 14 to July 26, drawing approximately 8,500 pilgrims, including 350 women. The trek, however, proved perilous; there were five casualties along the Shrikhand Mahadev route, with four of these occurring before the official start of the event. In 2023, inclement weather forced almost complete suspension of the yatra, underscoring the challenges posed by nature.

Stretching 32 kilometres to the 18,570-foot Shrikhand peak, the pilgrimage culminates at a 72-foot lingam honouring Lord Shiva. Recognized as one of North India's most challenging pilgrimages, the yatra takes three to five days to complete from the starting point at Jaon in Nirmand. Devotees must confront treacherous glaciers and narrow, slippery paths — a test of both faith and endurance.

To ensure safety and well-being of participants, the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Trust sets up base camps at key points along the route, including at Singhgad, Thachadu, Kunsha, Bhimdwari, and Parvati Bagh. Each base camp is equipped with police, rescue, medical and SDRF teams, providing immediate assistance whenever needed. In addition, tents and meals are provided at fixed prices, while temporary stalls set up by locals along the path offer puja material, prasad and images of Shrikhand Mahadev for the pilgrims.

To participate in the yatra, an online registration portal is available, while offline registration takes place at Singhgad. Registration coupled with a mandatory medical check-up is required for all pilgrims because of the dangerous terrain. The journey’s hazards, ranging from slippery paths to high-altitude challenges, have been the cause of fatal falls. Then, the pilgrims have to grapple with oxygen deprivation and altitude sickness. Over the past 13 years, about 35 devotees have lost their lives during the arduous trek.

In preparation for this year’s yatra, Nirmand SDM Manmohan Singh announced that the first meeting of the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Trust, chaired by Kullu DC Torul S Raveesh, will be held in Nirmand on June 3. This meeting will discuss critical issues such as the improvement of the travel route, enhanced security, improved medical arrangements and better traffic management. According to Singh, this gathering is pivotal for making key decisions that will ensure the journey is as safe as possible for all involved.

The SDM said that a dedicated team inspected the yatra routes and glaciers between May 18 and May 22. “The team’s report will offer invaluable recommendations concerning route conditions and necessary improvements. Once reviewed, permissions for work to improve the route will be promptly granted,” he added.

The memory of last year’s devastation—when floods triggered by a cloudburst on July 31 severely damaged parts of the Shrikhand Mahadev route—adds to the urgency of these preparations. Detailed discussions will also cover potential dates for this year’s yatra as well as strategic planning for security, rescue operations, medical support, setting up camps, managing traffic, and maintaining overall law and order.