"Abode of Lord Shiva; centre of faith and devotion in every tradition": PM Modi on resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, during his 123rd episode of 'Mann ki Baat', extended his best wishes to all devotees undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

He highlighted the importance of this pilgrimage, noting that Kailash Mansarovar is revered across multiple traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

"After a long time, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has had an auspicious re-start. Kailash Mansarovar, that is the abode of Lord Shiva. Kailash is considered the centre of faith and devotion in every tradition; be it Hindu, Buddhist or Jain," said PM Modi.

After a five-year gap, the revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Sikkim recommenced on June 20 with the ceremonial flagging off of the first batch of pilgrims by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur from the Nathula Pass.

The batch comprises 33 pilgrims, accompanied by two nodal officers and one doctor from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), totalling 36 members.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) earlier confirmed that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, one of the most significant religious pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon religion, will resume in 2025.

The pilgrimage, suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strained relations between India and China, is now being revived amid a larger diplomatic rapprochement between the two nations.

Discussions regarding the resumption began at the Special Representatives' meeting in Beijing in December 2024, where India's NSA Ajit Doval met with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

A follow-up visit by India's Foreign Secretary to Beijing in January 2025 paved the way for this year's planned yatra.

Earlier on June 27, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Don Jun, on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers Meeting in Qingdao, China. He said that it is incumbent on two nations to maintain this positive momentum and avoid adding new complexities in bilateral ties.

He said that he and General Don Jun had "constructive and forward-looking exchange of views" on issues related to bilateral ties. Rajnath Singh expressed happiness on the resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.