Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage for multiple religions, has resumed after a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and military tensions between India and China.
Background and Significance
- The yatra is a holy pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Tibetan Bons.
- Mount Kailash is believed to be the abode of the Hindu god Shiva and is revered as "Mount Meru" by Buddhists.
- Jains associate it with their first Tirthankara, Rishabdeva, and Tibetan Bons consider it sacred along with the Mansarovar Lake.
Restoration of India-China Relations
- The yatra marks the first major people-to-people mechanism restored between India and China post-pandemic.
- Future restorations are expected to include direct flights, visa openings, tourism routes, and economic discussions.
Organizational Aspects
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the nodal agency for coordinating the yatra.
- Each group of pilgrims includes a doctor, and Indian cooks accompany them to ensure familiar food is available.
- The Chinese government has enhanced facilities including biometrics at checkpoints, multilingual interpreters, and oxygen facilities.
Experiences of Pilgrims
- Despite past tensions, pilgrims report positive experiences with both Indian and Chinese authorities.
- Pilgrims are from diverse age groups (18 to 69) and include both resident Indians and NRIs.
- Pranav Gupta, a pilgrim from Jammu, emphasized the importance of faith over fitness in completing the trek.
Cultural and Economic Impact
- Local Tibetan porters and businesses have seen reduced work due to previous restrictions.
- The pilgrimage is a form of cross-Himalayan cultural exchange and economic activity.
Regulations and Restrictions
- In 2001-2002, the Chinese government banned climbing Mount Kailash and strictly regulates visits to Mansarovar Lake.
- India and China had earlier agreed in 1981 to restart the ancient pilgrimage route.
