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Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 from Tanakpur.
Addressing the pilgrims, the Chief Minister said he prayed to Lord Shiva for their safe, smooth and peaceful journey, adding that the yatra is a matter of divine blessing and devotion. He noted that in a country of 1.4 billion people, only 49 pilgrims have been selected for this rare spiritual journey, calling it a reflection of Lord Shiva's grace "I offer my prayers to Lord Shiva for your pleasant, smooth, and safe Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. May Mahadev bless you all. As I said at the beginning, his grace is truly upon you; otherwise, in a nation of 1.4 billion, only 49 people have received this rare opportunity. From the sacred land of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, flagging off the first group of pilgrims is not just an administrative duty for me, but a chance to bow at the feet of Lord Shiva and remember him through you. It is a moment of great devotion," CM Dhami said. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory for Indian Citizens undertaking the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra through tours by private tour operators. This Ministry, in its statement, said it receives several requests for help and assistance from Indian citizens stuck in Nepal while undertaking Kailash Mansarovar Yatra without the required entry permit and visas for China, through tours organised by private tour operators. Citizens are advised not to commence their journey from India until all required travel documents have been obtained for undertaking the complete journey. Commencing travel without confirmed documentation or in anticipation of obtaining the necessary documentation increases the likelihood of being stranded. Kailash Manasarovar Yatra (KMY) is known for its religious value and cultural significance. It is undertaken by hundreds of people every year. Being significant to Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva, it holds religious importance also for the Jains and the Buddhists. The KMY is open to eligible Indian citizens, holding valid Indian passports, who wish to proceed to Kailash-Manasarovar for religious purposes. (ANI)
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