Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash Yatra, situated in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, which is counted among the most difficult pilgrimages in the world, officially started on Thursday. This journey is considered to be a wonderful confluence of faith, self-confidence, and courage. At 5:30 in the morning, the first batch of devotees left from Singhgad for the darshan of Lord Shiva. The yatra was officially inaugurated by the Chairman of the State Milk Federation, Buddhi Singh Thakur, and District Council President Kullu Pankaj Parmar by showing the green flag. During this, the entire area echoed with the chants of Lord Bholenath. The yatra will run from 10 to 23 July. So far 5,198 devotees have registered. Every day 800 devotees will be allowed to go on the yatra. Medical examination of every devotee is necessary before starting the yatra.
On this 35-kilometer- long walking journey, there is a tough test to reach Shrikhand Mahadev, the symbol of Lord Shiva, situated at an altitude of 18,570 feet. This difficult journey started from Jaon village of Nirmand. After passing through narrow paths and steep and difficult climbs, the first stop of the devotees will be Singhagad. After this, the devotees reach to visit Shrikhand Mahadev by passing through beautiful places like Thachdu, Kali Ghati, Bhim Talai, Bhimdwari, Parvati Bagh, and Nayan Sarovar.
SDM Nirmand Manmohan Singh said that before the yatra, the entire route had been recced and necessary repairs had been done. Sarai, drinking water, toilets, and other basic facilities have been repaired. Devotees have been advised to register online. It is mandatory for the devotees to carry warm clothes, strong shoes, an umbrella, and a raincoat. It usually takes 3 to 4 days to complete the yatra. According to the data so far, 44 devotees have died during the yatra since 2014. In most cases, this has happened due to diseases like lack of oxygen, heart disease, BP, and sugar.
Base camps at four places, medical teams will be deployed
Base camps and medical aid centers have been set up at Singhgad, Bhimdwari, Parvati Bagh, and Thachadu on the Yatra route. Medical teams, oxygen cylinders, medicines, and rescue teams will be deployed here. Police and Home Guard teams are also engaged in security. The administration is trying to complete the Yatra before the threat of monsoon.
