The first batch of pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from the route through Uttarakhand arrived at Kathgodam on Monday. The pilgrims were welcomed by the pilgrimage organiser Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam.
The pilgrims arriving at Kathgodam were accorded a welcome in the traditional Kumaon manner. The first batch of pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, comprising 39 men and 16 women also includes some members who have undertaken the pilgrimage in the past too. Enthused and looking forward to undertaking a pilgrimage to the high mountain abode of lord Shiva, the members of the first batch of pilgrims could be seen moving to the Choliya music organised by the KMVN as part of their welcome. To the beats of traditional drums being played, the devotees could be heard raising the names of lord Shiva with gusto.
It is pertinent to mention here that the present form of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Uttarakhand was started in 1981. This pilgrimage involves covering a total of 717 kilometres. Of these, the pilgrim covers about 73 kilometres on foot in Indian territory and about 50 kilometres on foot in Tibet region under China. Despite the hardships involved in trekking through difficult terrain in high altitude region and in tough weather, there is no dearth of devotees wanting to undertake this pilgrimage. One such devotee, a member of the current batch- Delhi resident Hans Raj Goyal is undertaking this pilgrimage for the fourth time.
The KMVN managing director Dheeraj Garbyal informed that the first batch of pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from the state comprises a total of 55 members including 16 women.
According to documentation, since the start of this pilgrimage some decades ago, the authorities have managed to facilitate pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar for 15031 people. This time, the authorities have set a target of taking a total of 1080 pilgrims divided in 18 groups on the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. The KMVN has made necessary arrangements to prevent any inconvenience and ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
For medical assistance, the corporation has made arrangements ranging from oxygen cylinders to air ambulance if needed. Garbyal further informed that on June 14, the pilgrims in the first batch will begin their trek from Mangti which is situated ahead of Dharchula. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) force and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will also be prepared to ensure the security of pilgrims and assist them whenever needed. The administration has also completed all preparations for the pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar, added the official.