INDIA, June 13, 2025 (Business Standard): Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on Friday flagged off the first batch of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, marking the resumption of the sacred pilgrimage after a five-year hiatus. The minister felicitated the selected yatris and extended his best wishes for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 5,561 applicants successfully registered online for the 2025 edition, including 4,024 men and 1,537 women. Of these, 750 pilgrims were selected through a computerized draw. The selected yatris will travel in five batches of 50 pilgrims each via the strenuous Lipulekh route starting in Uttarakhand state in India, and 10 batches of 50 each via the longer but less difficult Nathu La route from Gangtok, Sikkim State. The pilgrimage will commence on 15 June and conclude on 25 August.

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra holds profound religious importance for followers of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The journey takes pilgrims to sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, considered spiritual focal points across the three faiths. The yatra was suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and remained on hold following the violent clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley. In its official statement, the MEA noted: “The minister appreciated the Chinese side for its cooperation for the resumption of the yatra.” The revival of the pilgrimage also signals a positive step in efforts to restore diplomatic normalcy between India and China.

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