Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday flagged off the first group of pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Tanakpur, officially commencing this year’s sacred Himalayan pilgrimage.
The pilgrims had arrived in Tanakpur on Friday night and were welcomed personally by the Chief Minister at the Tourist Rest House (TRC). CM Dhami interacted with the devotees and extended his best wishes for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey.
“All arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and secure yatra. Though the terrain is challenging, we have prepared thoroughly,” Dhami told ANI.
He acknowledged the difficulties associated with the route, including landslide-prone zones and unpredictable weather, but assured that the state and associated agencies have made comprehensive preparations for the safety and convenience of all yatris.
“The atmosphere is filled with enthusiasm, and the pilgrims are full of zeal. I wish them a successful and blessed journey,” the Chief Minister added.
Meanwhile, the yatra’s other route through Sikkim’s Nathula Pass also resumed on June 20 after a five-year hiatus, with Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur flagging off the first batch comprising 33 pilgrims, two nodal officers, and one ITBP doctor.
Governor Mathur highlighted the cultural and diplomatic significance of the pilgrimage, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reviving the route and expressing gratitude for the efforts of Sikkim Government, ITBP, and the Indian Army in facilitating the yatra.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is jointly managed by the Ministry of External Affairs, state tourism departments, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, ensuring coordinated efforts to make the spiritually important journey safe, meaningful, and smooth for all pilgrims.
