PITHORAGARH, INDIA, April 11, 2006: (HPI note: This article refers to Indian pilgrims traveling to Kailash on foot from India, and not to the commercial tours offered overland from Nepal.) The annual Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra would begin from June one with authorities ruling out any increase in the number of pilgrims to be accommodated in the pilgrimage. A total of 16 batches would be allowed, as per the traditions, to travel to Mansarovar lake (6,000 meter) located on the Tibetan Himalayas. “We are not going to increase the number of pilgrims,” said Ram Narain, an official of the state-owned Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, the nodal agency for the conduct of the yatra. Unlike previous yatras, the pilgrims would now have a choice to select their batches. There will be 16 batches comprising 40 to 45 pilgrims each, Narain said. Meanwhile, the preparations are afoot for the smooth conduct of the yatra which covers an arduous trek routes like Lipulekh pass (5,334 meter). Border Roads Organization has been given special instructions to keep the trek clear of landslides (which have killed pilgrims in the past).
A daily summary of world news for Hindus and non-Hindus alike