Shri Khand Mahadev Yatra Commences Today
The much-anticipated Shri Khand Mahadev Yatra, one of the five Kailash peaks pilgrimages, begins today, July 14. Devotees gather annually to worship the 72-feet tall Shivling at Shri Khand Mahadev, situated in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 18,570 feet. This year, the yatra will run from July 14 to 27, with all preparations completed by the administration.
Strict Measures and Deployment
Pilgrims will be restricted from using the shortcut route during this year’s yatra. Police, Home Guards, and SDRF personnel will be stationed at various points for security. Additionally, medical professionals, including doctors and pharmacists, will be available for health check-ups.
Extensive Deployment of Personnel
Over 170 officers and staff have been deployed for the yatra, including a police battalion, Home Guards, 22 SDRF personnel, six medical officers, pharmacists, and 25 health department workers.
Yatra Divided into 5 Sectors
This year’s yatra is organized into five sectors. Each sector is managed by a sector magistrate of Naib Tehsildar rank. Around 20 employees from the revenue department, 10 from the forest department, five from the water power department, and 15 from the block development office have been assigned. Additionally, a 16-member rescue team from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering Institute in Manali is stationed at Parvati Bagh, led by Tek Chand. Base camps have been established at Singhgaad, Thachdu, Kunsha, Bhimdwari, and Parvati Bagh with medical, revenue, and rescue teams.
SDRF Unit Deployment
For the first time, an SDRF rescue unit will be deployed at the final base camp, Parvati Bagh. An online registration portal for the Shri Khand Yatra has been set up, with over 4,000 pilgrims registered so far. Offline registration is available at Singhgaad on July 14.
Travel Route to Shri Khand Mahadev
Shri Khand Mahadev is located in Nirmand, Kullu district. Pilgrims can travel from Rampur in Shimla to Nirmand in Kullu district. From there, cars or buses can take them to Bagipul and Jao. The remaining 32 km must be covered on foot.
Officials and staff have been deployed for the yatra, with 16 members of the rescue team already at Parvati Bagh. This deployment was carried out on Saturday, July 13.
