The annual three-day Kailash Kund Yatra commenced on Tuesday in the picturesque Bhaderwah Valley of Doda district, marking the beginning of a centuries-old pilgrimage. The sacred ‘Charri Mubarak,’ a holy mace, departed from the ancient Vasuki Nag Temple at Gatha, signaling the start of the spiritual journey for thousands of devotees. This significant religious event draws participants not only from Doda but also from adjoining districts, underscoring its regional importance.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that a contingent of pilgrims from the Dudu area of Udhampur district was officially flagged off for the yatra by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma. This highlights the coordinated efforts to facilitate the pilgrimage and ensure the safety of those undertaking the arduous journey. The pilgrimage is dedicated to Lord Vasuki Nag, the serpent god who is revered as the presiding deity of the Bhaderwah Valley. Devotees gathered in large numbers at the historic temple, participating in the age-old tradition of carrying the sacred mace to the high-altitude Himalayan lake. Kailash Kund is situated at a formidable elevation of 14,700 feet above sea level, presenting a challenging yet spiritually rewarding destination for the faithful.
According to the established schedule, the yatra will make a significant halt at Hayan (Nalthi) before proceeding to Kailash Kund. The culmination of the journey is expected on September 9, when devotees will reach the sacred lake and partake in the ritualistic dip in its holy waters. The return journey is slated to commence on September 10, concluding the spiritual observance. Mohit Kotwal, one of the “chailas” or priests responsible for carrying the sacred mace, explained the historical and spiritual significance of the yatra. He stated, “This pilgrimage has been taking place since time immemorial, when Vasuki Nag is believed to have travelled to Bhadar-Kailash Lake to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Since then, we have continued the tradition that our forefathers followed religiously and without fail.” This narrative emphasizes the deep roots and enduring legacy of the Kailash Kund Yatra.
The annual Kailash Yatra is not only a profound religious event but also serves as a vibrant symbol of the unique Nag culture prevalent in the region. Its spiritual allure attracts hundreds of tourists from across the country, who are drawn to witness and experience this ancient tradition. Senior BJP leader and Bhaderwah MLA Daleep Singh Parihar, who joined the procession of the holy mace, commented on the positive impact of the yatra. He noted, “Over the past fortnight, thousands of tourists have visited Bhaderwah to join the holy Kailash Kund Yatra, giving a major boost to pilgrimage tourism in the region.” This sentiment was echoed by Naresh Kumar Gupta, a former two-time MLC and a devout follower of Lord Vasuki Nag. Despite the treacherous terrain, Gupta highlighted the unwavering faith that drives devotees to undertake the pilgrimage each year. He remarked, “Despite the treacherous terrain, devotees undertake the Kailash pilgrimage every year, driven by deep emotions, sentiments and an unwavering faith that Lord Vasuki Nag will fulfil their prayers.”
Beyond its spiritual significance, the sacred Kailash Kund lake is also believed to be surrounded by rare high-altitude medicinal herbs. Devotees hold a strong belief that a dip in its icy waters possesses healing properties and can cure various ailments. This belief adds another layer of profound significance to the pilgrimage, intertwining spiritual devotion with a quest for physical well-being. In Udhampur, DIG Sharma engaged with the pilgrims prior to flagging off their journey, meticulously reviewing the arrangements put in place to ensure their safety and comfort. He also visited the Gharkatiyas Police Post, issuing directives to the officers and personnel to maintain a state of heightened alert. The emphasis was placed on close coordination with all stakeholders to guarantee adequate security and facilitation measures are implemented throughout the entire yatra route, reflecting a comprehensive approach to managing the event.
Last year’s Kailash Kund Yatra saw a restricted number of participants due to the devastating cloudburst in the adjoining Kishtwar district on August 14, which tragically claimed 63 lives, primarily among Machail Mata pilgrims, and left 30 others missing. This past event underscores the inherent risks associated with high-altitude pilgrimages and the importance of stringent safety protocols. In anticipation of the current yatra, Bhaderwah Additional District Magistrate Sunil Kumar Bhutyal issued a public advisory. This advisory detailed the challenging nature of the pilgrimage and strongly urged devotees to prepare adequately, exercise caution, and adhere strictly to the instructions provided by the yatra administration. The advisory stressed the importance of following weather updates and carrying essential items such as warm and waterproof clothing, rain gear, suitable footwear, torches, necessary medicines, food supplies, and other vital provisions.
A critical component of the advisory is the recommendation for pilgrims experiencing symptoms of high-altitude illness to immediately descend to a lower elevation and seek prompt medical assistance. To further mitigate risks, individuals above 70 years of age, children below 14 years, persons with serious pre-existing medical conditions, pregnant women, and lactating mothers with their infants have been strongly advised against undertaking the yatra beyond designated points. This precautionary measure is a direct response to the difficult terrain and high-altitude conditions that pose significant health challenges. The administration has also enforced a strict prohibition on intoxicants, narcotic drugs, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and tobacco products, with violators facing legal action under relevant statutes. Pilgrims are further directed to utilize only the designated tracks, avoid taking shortcuts, and refrain from any activities that could lead to pollution or harm the local ecology, flora, and fauna. The use of single-use plastics is strictly banned within the Yatra area, reflecting a commitment to environmental preservation.
A high-level joint coordination meeting was convened on September 5 at the Doda district headquarters to meticulously review security arrangements, deployment strategies, disaster management preparedness, and other allied logistical aspects for the yatra. This crucial meeting was co-chaired by DIG, Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range, Sargun Shukla, and DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range. During the meeting, a comprehensive briefing was provided on the yatra profile, identified routes, potential threat perceptions, deployment plans, and contingency measures. To ensure the utmost safety of the devotees, Quick Reaction Teams, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Mountain Rescue Teams, and dedicated medical teams have been strategically positioned at vulnerable locations along the yatra route. The district police chiefs of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban were also involved in these preparatory discussions, emphasizing a multi-agency approach to the successful and safe conduct of the Kailash Kund Yatra.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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