Manimahesh Yatra begins in Himachal, three killed on day 1

Every year, hundreds of pilgrims from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and others parts of the country trek to the oval-shaped lake to catch a glimpse of Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.

The fortnight-long annual pilgrimage to the glacier-fed Manimahesh Lake, began on Monday from the tribal Bharmour sub-division of Chamba district amid religious fervour.

The 14km arduous uphill journey starts from Harsar base camp and concludes at the Maimahesh Lake, located at 13,500 feet in Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.(HT File)

The auspicious time of the first holy dip from Sunday at 8:48 pm marked beginning of the yatra, which coincided with Janmashtami.

Every year, hundreds of pilgrims from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and others parts of the country trek to the oval-shaped lake to catch a glimpse of Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.

The 14km arduous uphill journey starts from Harsar base camp and concludes at the Maimahesh Lake, located at 13,500 feet in Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.

The Bharmour administration has put in place elaborate security arrangements for the pilgrimage. At least 700 police and home guard jawans have been deployed on various locations on the trek.

“The entire trek has been divided into 13 sectors with health camps and rescue posts in each sector,” said Chamba deputy commissioner, Harikesh Meena.

Helicopter services are also available and two private operators have been awarded the tender to ferry pilgrims during the yatra.

It is believed that the devotees can view Mount Kailash and sun shining behind the peak only if Lord Shiva is pleased. When the sun shines behind the peak it is called lord Shiva’s “Mani” (jewel).

Three killed on day 1

Three pilgrims including a woman were killed on first day of the yatra.

A 65-year-old woman, Guddo Devi, resident of Dalhousie died at Sundrasi after being hit by a falling stone.

Another pilgrim, Hemraj, from Ghumarwin village in Bilaspur district was killed near Dunali after he suffered from breathing issues during the trek.

A third pilgrim, Shingara Singh,70, from Amritsar also died due to a heart attack.