Gangtok: In a moment of profound spiritual and diplomatic significance, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has officially recommenced through the Nathula Pass in Sikkim, bringing an end to a five-year suspension. This eagerly awaited resumption marks a pivotal occasion for Hindu devotees across India and signals a positive stride in India-China cultural relations.
On Friday, the inaugural contingent of 34 pilgrims arrived in Gangtok, Sikkim, to a warm and spiritually charged reception. Their presence in the Himalayan state was met with enthusiasm as they made final preparations for their onward sacred journey to Mount Kailash, a site of immense reverence.
The 2025 pilgrimage was ceremonially flagged off earlier in the day from two locations: Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan in New Delhi and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Bhawan in Ghaziabad. In the national capital, Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Pabitra Margherita, presided over the send-off, extending sincere gratitude to the Chinese authorities for their instrumental role in facilitating the reopening of this ancient pilgrimage route after its prolonged closure. An official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs affirmed, “We are grateful for the Chinese government’s cooperation in enabling the resumption of this spiritually significant journey.”
The Ghaziabad flag-off ceremony was imbued with deep religious devotion. A group of 39 pilgrims, accompanied by two government-appointed liaison officers, began their yatra amidst resounding chants of “Har Har Mahadev.” Officials noted that while 46 pilgrims had initially registered, a few withdrew due to health considerations.
Adding to the sanctity of the occasion, a traditional Shaivite send-off ceremony was conducted, featuring the auspicious sounds of sacred instruments including the damru, mridang, turhi, and dholak. Uttar Pradesh Minister for Tourism and Culture, Jaiveer Singh, who led the ceremonial send-off in Indirapuram, underscored the enduring spiritual and cultural importance of the yatra.
Concurrently, in Gangtok, the Sikkim administration extended a heartfelt welcome to the pilgrims. The Nathula Pass route is widely regarded as less physically arduous compared to the Lipulekh route in Uttarakhand, offering a breathtaking yet more accessible passage to the revered Mount Kailash and the serene Mansarovar Lake, both situated in Tibet.
With the resumption of the yatra, a wave of spiritual fervour has re-energised devotees and tour operators alike, marking a significant milestone in religious tourism and fostering regional cooperation.
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