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Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
UP tourism minister to flag off first batch of Mansarovar yatra from Ghaziabad on Sunday
Ghaziabad: As Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes after a five-year pause, state tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh will flag off the first batch of pilgrims Sunday from Indirapuram's Kailash Mansarovar Bhawan. The pilgrimage took place in 2019 last. It was suspended following the Covid pandemic and tensions between India and China in 2020. Last Oct, India and China agreed to disengage from Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh—two key points on the yatra's route. This year, 750 people will undertake the yatra in batches of 50 till Aug 25. While 10 batches are to proceed via Sikkim through Nathu La pass, five others will reach Mansarovar lake through Uttarakhand's Lipulekh Pass. The first batch of 50 pilgrims, which reached the transit house on June 11 and have since undergone medical tests, document verifications and other formalities, will fly to Bagdogra in West Bengal Sunday and head to Gangtok. From there, the team will travel through Nathu La pass in Sikkim, Kailash Mansarovar base at Darchen, trek via Yamdwar and Dolma La pass to reach the Mansarovar lake on the 12th day. The group will return to Delhi on the 22nd day. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo ADM (city) Vikas Kashyap told TOI that all preparations are in place for the pilgrimage. " A team from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, district administration and tourism department will be present at all times to aid pilgrims throughout the yatra," he said. The second batch of 50 pilgrims will arrive on June 16. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .


Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Coffee table books, gift hampers for Mansarovar pilgrims
: The Kailash Mansarovar Bhawan in Indirapuram is gearing up to welcome the first batch of pilgrims set to arrive on Wednesday. The Mansarovar Yatra is resuming after a five-year hiatus following the Covid-19 pandemic, and the district administration aims to provide a smooth and memorable experience for the devotees. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This will be the first time that the Bhawan will be utilised for its official purpose since its construction in 2020. The inaugural batch of 50 devotees from across the country is expected to arrive sometime after noon on Wednesday. A total of 750 pilgrims will arrive in batches of 50 until Aug 25. ADM (city) Vikas Kashyap told TOI that each pilgrim will receive a thoughtful hamper containing a tulsi rudraksh mala, a bag, cap, umbrella, tracksuit, t-shirt, and a memento. "It is an effort from us to make the journey as smooth and memorable as possible," Kashyap said. Additionally, pilgrims will also be presented with a coffee table book featuring literature about Kailash Mansarovar. Each batch of pilgrims will stay at the Bhawan for four days, during which they will undergo document verification, medical examination, and complete other formalities at the Ministry of External Affairs office in Delhi. Buses arranged by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam and Sikkim Tourism Development Cooperation (STDC), responsible for logistical arrangements on the Indian side, will transport pilgrims to and from the Bhawan. District magistrate Deepak Meena said that fire safety mock drills, electrical safety NOC, and other necessary safety measures have been put in place ahead of arrivals. "We have instructed officials to ensure that lights, air-conditioners, and all other electrical fittings are fully functional. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Food and first-aid arrangements are also being made to ensure their stay is comfortable and safe," the DM said. The send-off for the first batch of pilgrims is scheduled for June 15, he added. Essential facilities such as a travel booking desk and a money exchange kiosk have also been set up at the bhawan for the pilgrims' convenience. Signages have been prominently displayed for easy navigation, and yoga sessions will also be offered at the Bhawan. Ghaziabad chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Akhilesh Mohan said that face masks and sanitisers will also be readily available for the pilgrims. "The health department is ensuring that medical supplies at the bhawan are sufficient and will also be following Covid safety protocols for the pilgrims. If we see any symptomatic person, Covid testing will be done. However, unnecessary testing will be avoided," he said.