The yatra will go on till July 25

MANALI: The 32km uphill yatra to Shrikhand Mahadev, at an altitude of 19,000ft in Nirmand region of Kullu , will officially start from July 15 and go on till July 25, under strict security arrangements.

The pilgrims this year will have to follow strict instructions to be able to go on yatra. The minimum age of a pilgrim should be 15 years. The pilgrims will have to bring medical fitness certificate with them. And those wearing chappals would be sent back home.

Anni sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Chet Singh said a meeting of the trust members and officials were held on Monday and these decisions were taken for the safety of the pilgrims. “The pilgrims will have to register themselves after paying a fee of Rs 150. Advance registration will also be available at tehsildar office from July 10 to 14, but pilgrims will have to bring medical fitness certificate with them. A medical team will examine the pilgrims at base camp. We shall keep check on BP and sugar level as well. Shoes would be mandatory for pilgrims,” he said.

Shrikhand yatra is considered the toughest pilgrimage of the country, which claims many lives every year. The yatra starts from Singhad at 6,000ft from sea level and ends at 19,000ft. Most pilgrims come from Punjab, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Given the increasing popularity of the pilgrimage and increasing number of casualties, Himachal government has formed Shrikhand Yatra Trust and the pilgrimage is conducted under the supervision of Kullu administration. People can come till Jaon by car or bus and then have to trek for 3km to reach the base camp at Singhad.

Reaching 72ft tall Shiva lingam is not easy. SDM Chet Singh said a team recently came back after conducting a recce and discovered that the region is covered with thick layer of snow. “As we received heavy snow this year, the trekking trail to Shrikhand is hit by many avalanches. Police and rescue teams will keep surveillance and medical camps will be established. Temporary toilets will be established all along the way. Officials from administration will also be available to deal with any problem. The last group of pilgrims will be allowed to go on July 25, who will have to return back by the end of the month when the yatra will be officially closed,” he added.

Slipping and falling to death in gorges, suffocation, altitude sickness, extreme cold, rockslides and use of charas are said to be the main reasons behind deaths during the yatra. This time round, police will frequently check pilgrims for use of drugs and medical teams will strictly monitor health.

Depending on the intensity of monsoon rains, the yatra can be terminated any time by the administration.

