Champawat, July 5 (IANS). Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday flagged off the first batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 from Tanakpur in Champawat, marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage through the Lipulekh route. A total of 49 pilgrims set out on their spiritual journey towards Lipulekh Gunji. On this occasion, the Chief Minister welcomed the pilgrims in a traditional manner and wished them a safe, smooth and spiritually enriching journey.
The first batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 includes 49 devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Bihar and different parts of the country. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met this first batch of pilgrims, honored them by presenting them with plaques of Lord Shiva and Rudraksh beads and wished them a safe and pleasant journey.
Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami highlighted the spiritual importance of Uttarakhand and said, “It is a matter of pride for us that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is known as the land of Lord Shiva. It is considered the abode of Lord Shiva and every devotee who comes here returns with an unforgettable spiritual experience.”
He said the State considers it an honor to host pilgrims from across the country and is committed to ensuring that the pilgrims have a memorable and comfortable experience during this holy journey.
Talking to reporters, CM Dhami said, “We are sending 49 devotees of Lord Mahadev from here on this yatra. This is a very proud moment for me. We also get an opportunity to remember Lord Shiva. Every year we launch this yatra. Our effort is to make the journey of all the devotees going on this yatra smooth, simple and safe.”
Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) has completed all preparations to welcome, accommodate and provide other facilities to the pilgrims.
TRC Manager Manoj Kumar said that a total of 10 batches of pilgrims will leave from Tanakpur in the next 18 days under the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. District Magistrate Manish Kumar has also instructed the officials to ensure better facilities and smooth arrangements during the stay of the pilgrims.
Among the pilgrims, 21-year-old Harikrishna from Gujarat, the youngest member of the first batch, shared his excitement while speaking to IANS. He said, “I am from Gujarat and have come here with my mother. I am very happy to be here. Everyone seems like a family. Everyone has a dream to do this pilgrimage, and through Kailash Mansarovar Yatra this dream is being fulfilled.”
Pilgrim Kanchan, who came from Jaipur, Rajasthan, also expressed her happiness while talking to IANS. He said, “I have already completed the pilgrimage of 12 Jyotirlingas. Only the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was left and now I am here. What could be more joyful than this.”
Reena Suman from Bengaluru, who is undertaking the pilgrimage with her family, told IANS, “I did the Char Dham Yatra in 2025 and now I am here with my family. I hope that with the grace of Lord Shiva, this journey will be smooth and safe for everyone.”
–IANS
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