Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off the first batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 from Tanakpur. CM Dhami said that out of a population of 140 crore, only 49 people were selected for this yatra, it is a special grace of Lord Shiva.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 from Tanakpur.
Addressing the pilgrims, the Chief Minister said he prayed to Lord Shiva for their safe, smooth and peaceful journey. He said that this journey is a matter of divine blessings and devotion. He stressed that only 49 pilgrims have been selected for this rare spiritual journey in a country of 1.4 billion people, which he described as a symbol of Lord Shiva’s grace.
CM Dhami said, “I pray to Lord Shiva for your pleasant, smooth and safe Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. May Mahadev shower his blessings on all of you. As I said in the beginning, His blessings are truly upon you; otherwise only 49 people in a country of 1.4 billion have got this rare opportunity. It is not just an administrative duty for me to see off the first group of pilgrims from the holy land of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, but it is also an administrative duty for me, but at the feet of Lord Shiva through you.” It is an occasion to bow and remember him.”
Foreign Ministry issued advisory
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs had issued an advisory for Indian citizens traveling to Kailash Mansarovar through private tour operators. The ministry in its statement said it receives several requests for help and assistance from Indian nationals stranded in Nepal who are undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra without the required entry permits and visas for China through tours organized by private tour operators.
Citizens are advised not to commence their journey from India until all necessary travel documents are obtained for the entire journey. Starting a journey without confirmed documents or in the hope of obtaining the required documents increases the chances of getting stranded.
Importance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) is known for its religious value and cultural significance. Hundreds of people make this journey every year. It is important for Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva, and also has religious significance for people of Jainism and Buddhism.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is open to eligible Indian citizens who hold a valid Indian passport and wish to visit Kailash-Mansarovar for religious purposes. (ANI)
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