GHAZIABAD, 15 JUNE

The long-awaited Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has officially resumed after a five-year break, with the first batch of 39 pilgrims being flagged off from Ghaziabad on Sunday. The ceremonial send-off took place at the Kailash Mansarovar Bhavan in Indirapuram, where Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh marked the occasion.

Alongside the pilgrims, the inaugural group includes two liaison officers. Although 46 individuals initially registered, some were unable to take part due to health concerns, according to official sources. A special 'Shaivite' prayer was conducted, accompanied by traditional instruments such as the damru, mridang, turhi, and dholak, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere filled with chants of "Har Har Mahadev".

The event was attended by notable figures including Cabinet Minister Sunil Sharma, Ghaziabad MP Atul Garg, Principal Secretary for Religious Affairs and Culture Mukesh Meshram, and District Magistrate Deepak Meena. Minister Singh described the resumption of the pilgrimage as a historic moment, underscoring the government’s dedication to promoting religious tourism.

Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh government is providing Rs 1 lakh in financial assistance to each resident undertaking the Yatra. Furthermore, pilgrims will receive a 'Rudraksha' garland and a QR-coded 'Sugam Darshan' card, allowing priority entry for themselves and family members to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple for one year.