Tanakpur: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra operated through Uttarakhand officially commenced on Sunday. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from the Sharda Tourist Rest House in Tanakpur and wished them a safe, successful, and spiritually fulfilling journey.
The Chief Minister was welcomed with the traditional Chholiya dance, while the police presented him with a Guard of Honour. He honoured each pilgrim by presenting a Rudraksha mala and a ceremonial stole dedicated to Lord Shiva, and also interacted warmly with the devotees.
Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami said that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not merely a religious pilgrimage but also a symbol of spiritual awakening, cultural unity, and national harmony. He added that the opportunity to undertake this sacred journey comes only through the blessings of Lord Shiva and that every challenge along the route can be overcome with faith and patience.
He also noted that the pilgrimage has become an important driver of economic growth in the state’s border regions by boosting tourism, trade, transport, hospitality, and employment. The Chief Minister urged pilgrims to purchase local handicrafts and products to help strengthen the economy of these areas.
He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, significant efforts are being made across the country to preserve Sanatan culture and develop religious sites, giving India’s spiritual heritage a renewed global identity.
The first batch comprises 49 pilgrims, including a medical officer, with 34 men and 15 women. Participants have arrived from Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Dr. Arun Kumar from Tamil Nadu is accompanying the group as the medical officer. Purushottam Khandelwal (68) from Rajasthan is the oldest pilgrim, while Harikrishna (21) from Gujarat is the youngest.
Pilgrims appreciated the arrangements made by the Uttarakhand Government, stating that security, accommodation, and other facilities had been well organized. Notably, due to the efforts of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is being conducted via the Tanakpur route for the second consecutive year, enhancing Champawat district’s prominence as a destination for religious tourism.
