Women, children banned from participating in Kailash yatra

In the wake of recent deadly cloudbursts in Jammu region, the district administration of Doda has imposed strict restrictions on this year’s Kailash Yatra, set to begin tomorrow. The pilgrimage will now be conducted in a symbolic and scaled-down manner, with women and children barred from participating due to safety concerns.
The annual three-day pilgrimage, held in the Bhaderwah sub-division of Doda, involves a challenging 21-km trek. This year, only a limited number of designated pilgrims will be allowed to accompany the Chhari Mubarak (holy mace) along the traditional route via Sungli, Nalthi, and Drafda (Bhalla). The alternative Chattergala route has been closed, deemed unsafe due to heavy water streams and unstable terrain.
Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, announced the measures after three rounds of consultations with stakeholders. “The safety and security of devotees will be our top priority,” he said, urging strict adherence to official advisories.
The decision follows recent tragedies in the region:
On August 14, a cloudburst in Kishtwar left 67 Machail Mata pilgrims dead and 88 missing.
Another incident in Kathua on Sunday claimed seven lives, including five children.
To ensure the safety of pilgrims, the administration has planned a comprehensive deployment strategy. Medical teams, disaster response units, water and shelter facilities, and security personnel will be stationed at all key points along the route. Each pilgrim must carry a valid ID issued by the district administration.
DC Singh emphasized that while this year’s yatra will be symbolic, all traditional rituals will be upheld. He assured devotees of the administration’s full commitment to ensuring a safe, smooth, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience.

The post Women, children banned from participating in Kailash yatra first appeared on JK Newsline.