Latest news with #OmPrakashMathur
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
Sikkim: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Begins From Nathula After 5-Year Hiatus, First Batch Flagged Off
In Sikkim, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra started from Nathula on June 20. A total of 36-member group kick-started the pious journey, which was flagged off by Governor Om Prakash Mathur. A total of ten batches will visit Kailash Mansarovar from Nathula this year. Each batch will take 11 to 12 days to complete the pious journey. Doctor and government officials will accompany them throughout the journey. They will go by bus mostly, but on some occasions, the pilgrims also have to walk. They will do Kailash parikrama first at nearly 17 thousand feet altitude and then Mansarovar parikrama at 15 thousand feet altitude.#kailashmansarovar #mansarovaryatra #nathulapass #sikkimpilgrimage #mountkailash #lakemansarovar #hindupilgrimage #spiritualjourney #kailashparikrama #mansarovarparikrama #omprakashmathur #sikkimtourism #ministryofexternalaffairs #bordercrossing #tibet #toi #toibharat
Time of India
17 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
17 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
19 hours ago
- NDTV
After 5 Years, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes Through Sikkim
New Delhi: The first batch of 36 pilgrims taking part in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra crossed over to the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) of China through Nathula border in Sikkim this morning. The first batch of pilgrims between the ages of 21 and 70 years is being escorted by two Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel as liaison officers towards the Chinese side. The pilgrimage was flagged off by Governor Om Prakash Mathur at Nathula. He was joined by Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa along with other ministers and legislators. The pilgrims will be spending 11 days in the Tibetan Autonomous Region to reach Mt Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. They were received by the People's Republic of China's officials and army personnel at the border with China. After a five-year gap, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathula Pass in Sikkim has resumed with a batch of 36 pilgrims - 23 male and 13 female - heading to the 18 Mile base on Monday, ahead of their scheduled journey to Mansarovar on June 20. The pilgrims stayed at the newly constructed acclimatisation centre at 18 Mile for two days, followed by another two-day stay at Sherathang. On Friday, after their medical status and documents were checked, they crossed over to the Chinese side. "This is a proud moment for Sikkim and the country. Hosting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through our state is not just an honour but also an opportunity to showcase our hospitality and infrastructure. We've already begun receiving positive feedback from the pilgrims," said the CEO of Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, Rajendra Chettri. "This is (also) a proud moment for the STDC because the trust the Ministry of External Affairs has placed in the STDC is just enormous. I think our experience and past record speak for themselves. We have been speaking to the yatris for feedback and taking care of them. Overall, it has been a very satisfying experience for us as well," Mr Chettri added.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Sikkim's Unique Time Capsule 2025 To Leave A Message For Future Generation
Gangtok: The Himalayan state of Sikkim has launched a unique initiative in the form of a Time Capsule 2025 to mark five decades of statehood. The initiative is a landmark project of the Information & Public Relations Department of the Government of Sikkim which aims to preserve Sikkim's current essence- cultural, social, and developmental- for posterity. The time capsule is scheduled to be opened on May 16, 2075, while celebrating a century of statehood. The Sikkim Government says this initiative transcends a mere time capsule and it embodies Sikkim's journey and legacy for future generations adding that it's a testament of the state's pride, leaving an enduring legacy for future leaders, communities, and children to cherish and draw inspiration from. The Time Capsule 2025 will contain a diverse collection of artefacts, including, messages and letters from leaders and citizens, including handwritten notes from the Chief Minister, Governor, and school children, envisioning Sikkim's future. On the momentous occasion of the 50th State Day of Sikkim, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and Governor Om Prakash Mathur initiated the process of adding to the Time Capsule 2025, at Paljor Stadium on May 16, 2025. The time capsule will contain a photographic archive of Sikkimese citizens in traditional attire to preserve their cultural identity. It will also include developmental documentation highlighting milestones in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance. Apart from this seeds for the future, including rare and endangered plant species, as part of the "Mero Rukh, Mero Santati" initiative along with rare cultural artefacts showcasing traditional knowledge, art, and practices of Sikkim's communities will also be included in the time capsule. The original time capsule burial site will be at Tashiling, Secretariat, Gangtok which remains a powerful symbol of Sikkim's governance and progress through the ages. A public display will be stationed at MG Marg showcasing a replica time capsule encased in transparent glass, allowing visitors to glimpse at its contents and understand the symbolism between the past and future. The Time Capsule 2025 has been curated by a multidisciplinary committee comprising government officials, historians, and community leaders. To encourage public participation, efforts will be made through school and community outreach programs. The time capsule is designed with climate resistance and airtight storage to ensure long-term preservation. It is crafted from 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, weighs 32 kg, and is engineered to preserve contents for over 50 years without degradation. The materials used for the preservation of artefacts include acid-free Paper (100 pcs) which prevents ink degradation and paper decay. The archival pen & ink stamp pad- is a fade-resistant writing tool with 50+ years of life. The archival CD/DVD- will have a 100-year lifespan and will be resistant to humidity & temperature. 2000cc oxygen absorbers (2000 cc) will remove oxygen to prevent decay along with silica gel (Industrial Grade) for moisture control and mylar bags will shield the documents from light and air. The Archival Envelopes are pH-stable storage for documents and glass seed vials will ensure airtight storage of seeds. Calcium Carbonate will be used to neutralise acidic buildup over time and the Archival Glue (pH-neutral) will ensure acid-free adhesive for document integrity.
