Ghaziabad: The sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 officially commenced on Monday as the first batch of pilgrims departed from the Kailash Mansarovar Bhavan in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, amid an atmosphere of devotion, spirituality, and enthusiasm.
The inaugural group was flagged off by Uttar Pradesh Minister Sunil Sharma. Out of 50 registered pilgrims, 47 were declared medically fit following comprehensive health examinations and were granted permission to undertake the revered pilgrimage.
Accompanied by Liaison Officers (LOs), personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and medical teams, the pilgrims left in special buses for the airport. From there, they will travel via the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim toward the holy abode of Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations.
The departure ceremony transformed the entire Kailash Mansarovar Bhavan complex into a center of spiritual fervor. Resonating chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” “Bam Bam Bhole,” and “Om Namah Shivaya” echoed through the premises as devotees gathered to bid farewell to the pilgrims. Bhajans, devotional hymns, and the rhythmic sounds of drums and traditional musical instruments added to the celebratory atmosphere.
Before beginning their journey, the pilgrims offered prayers at the temple located within the complex, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva for a safe and successful pilgrimage. Many were seen singing devotional songs, dancing, and raising religious slogans as they boarded the buses.
Several dignitaries and officials attended the event, including BJP Metropolitan President Mayank Goyal, Vice Chairman of the Ghaziabad Development Authority Nand Kishore Kalal, Additional Secretary Pradeep Kumar Singh, Chief Engineer Alok Ranjan, Executive Engineer Yogesh Patel, and Vishva Bhushan Mishra, Joint Secretary and Nodal Officer of the Directorate of Religious Affairs, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
The Ghaziabad Development Authority had made extensive arrangements for the pilgrims during their five-day stay prior to departure. Facilities included comfortable accommodation, sattvic meals, yoga and pranayama sessions, round-the-clock medical assistance, ambulance services, spiritual literature, and detailed travel guidance to help prepare pilgrims physically and mentally for the demanding expedition.
Pilgrims expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and the Ghaziabad Development Authority for the arrangements and support provided. Many noted that the facilities and orientation sessions played a crucial role in preparing them for the challenging journey ahead.
The 21-day pilgrimage includes the sacred circumambulation (parikrama) of Mount Kailash, a spiritual undertaking regarded as one of the most difficult and revered pilgrimages in the Sanatan tradition. With the departure of the first batch, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 has officially begun, marking the start of a journey that holds profound religious significance for thousands of devotees.
The annual pilgrimage remains a symbol of unwavering faith, spiritual endurance, and devotion, drawing pilgrims from across India to the revered Himalayan shrine believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
