Latest news with #KailashMansarovar
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Rung traders seek revival of India-China trade at Lipulekh border
Pithoragarh: Traders from the Rung community, who have historically engaged in India-China border trade through Lipulekh Pass, are demanding its resumption and have expressed deep disappointment over its continued suspension this year. Border trade has remained shut since 2019. "Trade between India and Tibet through Lipulekh has been ongoing since ancient times. Though it was halted after the 1962 India-China war, it resumed in 1992," said Daulat Singh Raypa, general secretary of India-China Border Trade Association. The Kailash Mansarovar yatra , which also passes through Lipulekh, began in 1981. Both the pilgrimage and trade continued uninterrupted until 2019, when operations were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While the yatra has been permitted to resume this year, border trade remains suspended. "We were hopeful trade would also restart once the yatra resumed, especially since Lipulekh is now connected by road," said Raypa. The construction of the Tawaghat–Lipulekh road was completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2022. "We were very enthusiastic because road connectivity reduces both time and costs and makes trade more viable," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ductless Air Conditioners Are Selling Like Crazy [See Why] Keep Cool Click Here Undo Since the Chinese govt granted permission to Nepali Rung traders to resume border trade in 2024, "the Indian Rung community must also be allowed without delay," said Jeevan Singh, president of the traders' union. "We met central ministers and urged them to restart the border trade," he added. In 2019, 40 traders left unsold goods in godowns and shops, with an estimated Rs 2 crore worth of items stuck in the Chinese mandi at Taklakot, said Singh.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Restarts After 5 Years, First Batch Leaves from Nathula Pass, ET TravelWorld
Advt Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. All about ETTravelWorld industry right on your smartphone! Download the ETTravelWorld App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles. After a gap of five years, the revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Sikkim recommenced on Friday with the ceremonial flagging off of the first batch of pilgrims by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur from the Nathula Pass The batch comprises 33 pilgrims, accompanied by two nodal officers and one doctor from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), making a total of 36 members. The resumption of this spiritual journey marks a significant moment of international cooperation and cultural continuity between India and at the flagging-off ceremony, Governor Mathur said, "It is a moment of immense pride for the state of Sikkim that this historic and spiritual journey is progressing through the sacred land of the state." He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reviving the yatra, terming it a sign of restored heritage and international Governor also lauded the Sikkim Government, ITBP, and Indian Army for their coordination in making this possible. Before their departure, he interacted with the pilgrims, offering wishes for a safe and healthy journey. Sikkim tourism minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia says, "After 5 years, history is being created that devotees from all over India are coming here and getting ready to start the Mansarovar yatra... This Kailash Mansarovar yatra was closed for many days due to COVID-19. But now the first batch is going today, and the second batch is getting ready. It also gives publicity to Sikkim's Nathu La and will also give value addition to Sikkim tourism..."The pilgrims underwent stringent medical screening and completed a two-phase high-altitude acclimatisation process, first at the 18th Mile and then at Sherathang. These measures were mandatory to prepare them for the extreme Himalayan conditions, situated at altitudes above 14,000 official from the Indian Army confirmed the fitness of the group, stating, "All yatris have been declared fit by the medical team and are ready to proceed."Shalanda Sharma, one of the pilgrims, told ANI, "This yatra is starting after five years through mutual agreement between the Government of India and the Government of China. The arrangements, the hospitality, and the medical attention--we're truly grateful. We're all excited to carry blessings from Kailash Mansarovar back to India."Another pilgrim, Indar Sharma, praised the arrangements made by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and authorities, stating that everything from medical checks to logistics had been handled efficiently. He added, "We are carrying blessings and hope this yatra strengthens India-China ties and allows more pilgrims in the future."As per schedule, by 9:15 AM, the group was expected to cross the Nathula border into the Chinese side, where immigration formalities would be completed before they continue their pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar yatra is being jointly facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, ensuring a safe and smooth experience for all participants.
Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes from Sikkim's Nathula Pass after a 5-year gap
After a gap of five years, the revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Sikkim recommenced on Friday with the ceremonial flagging off of the first batch of pilgrims by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur from the Nathula Pass. The batch comprises 33 pilgrims, accompanied by two nodal officers and one doctor from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), making a total of 36 members. The resumption of this spiritual journey marks a significant moment of international cooperation and cultural continuity between India and China. Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony, Governor Mathur said, "It is a moment of immense pride for the state of Sikkim that this historic and spiritual journey is progressing through the sacred land of the state." He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reviving the yatra, terming it a sign of restored heritage and international goodwill. The Governor also lauded the Sikkim Government, ITBP, and Indian Army for their coordination in making this possible. Before their departure, he interacted with the pilgrims, offering wishes for a safe and healthy journey. Sikkim tourism minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia says, "After 5 years, history is being created that devotees from all over India are coming here and getting ready to start the Mansarovar yatra... This Kailash Mansarovar yatra was closed for many days due to COVID-19. But now the first batch is going today, and the second batch is getting ready. It also gives publicity to Sikkim's Nathu La and will also give value addition to Sikkim tourism..." The pilgrims underwent stringent medical screening and completed a two-phase high-altitude acclimatisation process, first at the 18th Mile and then at Sherathang. These measures were mandatory to prepare them for the extreme Himalayan conditions, situated at altitudes above 14,000 feet. An official from the Indian Army confirmed the fitness of the group, stating, "All yatris have been declared fit by the medical team and are ready to proceed." Shalanda Sharma, one of the pilgrims, told ANI, "This yatra is starting after five years through mutual agreement between the Government of India and the Government of China. The arrangements, the hospitality, and the medical attention--we're truly grateful. We're all excited to carry blessings from Kailash Mansarovar back to India." Another pilgrim, Indar Sharma, praised the arrangements made by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and authorities, stating that everything from medical checks to logistics had been handled efficiently. He added, "We are carrying blessings and hope this yatra strengthens India-China ties and allows more pilgrims in the future." As per schedule, by 9:15 AM, the group was expected to cross the Nathula border into the Chinese side, where immigration formalities would be completed before they continue their pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. The yatra is being jointly facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, ensuring a safe and smooth experience for all participants.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
First Batch Of Pilgrims For Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Departs From UP
Ghaziabad: Chanting "Har Har Mahadev", the first batch of 39 pilgrims was flagged off on Sunday from Ghaziabad for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra which has resumed after a hiatus of five years. The flag-off ceremony took place at the Kailash Mansarovar Bhavan in Indirapuram where Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh launched the pilgrimage. Apart from 39 pilgrims, the first batch will also have two liaison officers. Initially, 46 registrations were received, but some people could not participate due to health issues, an official statement said. A special 'Shaivite' prayer was held to mark the occasion, with sounds of traditional instruments like the damru, mridang, turhi, and dholak filling the air. The spiritually charged atmosphere resonated with chants of "Har Har Mahadev" from pilgrims and dignitaries alike. The event was also attended by Cabinet Minister Sunil Sharma, Ghaziabad MP Atul Garg, Principal Secretary (Religious Affairs and Culture) Mukesh Meshram, and District Magistrate Deepak Meena, among others, the statement said. Tourism Minister Singh called the resumption of the pilgrimage from UP a historic moment, reflecting the government's commitment to promoting religious tourism. He highlighted the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in reviving Sanatan culture. MP Garg extended his heartfelt wishes for a safe and blessed journey, while Cabinet Minister Sharma expressed pride that the Kailash Bhavan, the starting point of the yatra, lies in his constituency. In a special gesture, the Department of Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, has announced a special offering for all Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims. The CEO of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, Vishwabhushan Mishra, said every pilgrim will be presented with a 'Rudraksha' garland and a QR-coded 'Sugam Darshan' card upon return. This card will remain valid for one year and will grant priority entry to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple for the pilgrims and four of their family members. However, it will not be applicable on major festive occasions such as Mahashivratri, Sawan Mondays, etc., the statement said. The state government is providing financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to each resident of the state undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, it said.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra: Batch of pilgrims flagged off, UP ministers extend wishes
New Delhi: After a five-year hiatus, a group of pilgrims to Kailash Manasarovar in Tibet was flagged off on Sunday from Ghaziabad by Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh. The ceremonial flag-off took place at Indirapuram's Yatra Bhavan, where the Minister officially launched the pilgrimage. A total of 15 groups are scheduled to leave from the Yatra Bhavan over the next several days, with special arrangements and facilities in place to ensure the comfort and safety of all pilgrims. Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed pride in Ghaziabad becoming the new starting point for the pilgrimage. 'First of all, it's not a long wait, but a matter of great fortune for Uttar Pradesh. For the first time, devotees and pilgrims of Kailash Mansarovar from across the country will begin their sacred journey from this holy land of Ghaziabad, which is also my workplace and birthplace,' he said. He also highlighted that this moment marks a spiritual milestone for the state and its people. Uttar Pradesh Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma extended his heartfelt wishes to the pilgrims. 'First of all, I extend my congratulations and best wishes to all those embarking on this sacred pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar. May Lord Mahadev bless them, may their journey be smooth, and may everyone return home safely after completing their pilgrimage,' he said. He further praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, adding, 'The world now acknowledges Modi Ji as both a messenger and protector of peace. Peace cannot be safeguarded without strength, and Modi Ji is both a devotee and a symbol of that strength.' Spiritual leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam also addressed the gathering, calling the event a moment of pride for the nation and for followers of Sanatan Dharma. 'This is the era of Sanatan, and it is the era of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh's dynamic, popular, hardworking, and dedicated Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,' he said. Expressing gratitude for being invited to flag off the pilgrimage, he added, 'It is a matter of great honour for me to be part of this event. This Yatra, with chants of 'Bam Bam Bhole' and 'Har Har Mahadev', is a source of pride not only for India but for Sanatan followers around the world.' BJP MP Atul Garg emphasised the deep spiritual and cultural roots of the Yatra. 'These traditions are thousands of years old. People have been undertaking these pilgrimages with a deep desire for spiritual fulfilment. During earlier times, such journeys were neglected, but under this government, they have been revived with respect and support,' he said, commending the efforts of the state and religious leaders. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, considered one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism and other Indic traditions, was suspended in 2020 due to the global pandemic. It is revived from Ghaziabad as the first group embarks on their spiritual journey.
