After almost six years, the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has finally resumed. The journey had been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic and tensions along the India-China border after the Galwan Valley clash. Now, the path has reopened, allowing devotees to once again undertake this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey to Mount Kailash.
On June 21, the first group of Indian pilgrims crossed into Tibet’s Autonomous Region through the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. This year, 750 people were chosen from over 5,500 applicants through a computerised draw. The yatra, organised every year by the Ministry of External Affairs between June and September, is being held via two routes: Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. The pilgrimage takes around 23 to 25 days and includes a challenging 45-kilometre trek.
At the banks of the holy Mansarovar Lake, pilgrims were seen chanting “Har Har Mahadev” and “Om Namah Shivaya,” and sprinkling Ganga water in the air. While bathing in the lake is not allowed, devotees believe that even stepping near it cleanses one of all sins.
One pilgrim said, “The entire cosmos is said to be centered around Kailash. This place is believed to be the centre of the universe. Now that we are standing here, words fail us. We are speechless.”
Another added, “The greatest strength I’ve found is that of Lord Shiva’s blessings.”
A woman pilgrim shared, “The youngest in our group is 20 years old and the oldest is 69. Every single person completed the parikrama. It’s nothing short of a divine blessing.”
One of the most moving moments from the journey was the sight of an elderly woman who had taken a maun vrat—a vow of silence. Though she didn’t speak, her devotion spoke volumes. With a smile and folded hands, she raised her arms to the sky, letting sacred droplets of water fall on her face, a silent expression of deep faith and gratitude.
