August 21, 2025

NEW DELHI: Hold your horses, adventurers! The famous Kailash Kund Yatra in Bhaderwah is now a much shorter, safer journey. Why? Because of scary weather and terrible cloudburst disasters in J&K. Usually, this yatra is a mighty 18km uphill climb in the chilly Kailash mountain range. Pilgrims walk to a temple dedicated to the serpent god Vasuki Nag and take a freezing dip in the Kailash Kund lake to get blessings. A grand Chhari (mace) procession is part of the fun. But this year, the Doda district administration has decided to keep the yatra from August 20 to 22 only for symbolic rituals, no long trek. “Chhari Mubarak will accompany the prescribed group of yatris for a symbolic Kailash Kund Yatra, ensuring rituals are performed,” said Doda’s Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh. What’s more, women and children can’t join this time for their safety. Every pilgrim must carry a valid ID card issued by the district. The scary terrain is another reason. The Chattergala route is totally closed because it’s unsafe with huge streams. The yatra will go only through the old, safer routes: Sungli, Nalthi, and Drafda (Bhalla). Singh stressed, “Safety of devotees is govt’s top priority.” Teams from police, health, and disaster management will be there to help. He warned people not to try sneaky shortcuts but to follow the official advice. Why the extra caution? Just last week, a fierce cloudburst caused a flash flood that killed at least 64 people in Kishtwar’s Chasoti village, where many pilgrims camped while returning from Machhail Mata yatra. And just three days later, on August 17, another cloudburst and heavy rain caused floods and landslides in Kathua’s Rajbagh-Ghati area, killing seven, including five children. So folks, if you planned to join the Kailash Kund Yatra this year, remember it’s a small, symbolic trip only. Stay safe and follow the rules!

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Tags: Kailash kund yatra, Doda district, Cloudburst, Kishtwar, Kathua, Safety measures,