The annual Kailash Kund Yatra in Bhaderwah, Doda district, has been curtailed to symbolic rituals this year. The Doda district administration has imposed restrictions on the Yatra, which was scheduled to begin on August 20 and last for three days, due to inclement weather and recent cloudburst tragedies in neighboring districts.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Harvinder Singh emphasized that the safety and security of devotees is the top priority. The decision to curtail the Yatra was made after a review of the situation, following cloudbursts in Padder's Chisoti village and Kathua district. These incidents underscored the need for disaster preparedness and real-time coordination among departments. The DC stated that the decision to limit the Yatra to symbolic rituals was made unanimously after meetings with organizers.
Due to safety concerns, women and children will not be permitted to participate this year. Pilgrims will not be allowed to travel through the Chattergala route, as the stretch is considered vulnerable due to wild streams and unsafe terrain. The Yatra will proceed only via the traditional routes of Sungli, Nalthi, and Drafda (Bhalla) in Bhaderwah. The administration has deployed officials at all important locations along these routes to assist and guide the Yatris.
Only the Charri Mubarak (holy mace) will move along with a designated group of yatris as part of the symbolic Yatra, ensuring the smooth conduct of essential rituals and religious ceremonies. Every pilgrim participating must carry a valid identity card issued by the District Administration for proper verification.
The Doda administration has prepared a comprehensive deployment plan, stationing staff at multiple points along the Yatra route. These personnel will ensure smooth movement, provision of medical facilities, prompt disaster response, drinking water, shelter, communication, and security.
The Kailash Kund Yatra is considered one of the toughest treks, with pilgrims covering an 18km steep uphill journey in the Kailash mountain range to reach a temple dedicated to the serpent deity, Vasuki Nag. Pilgrims traditionally take a dip in the ice-cold Kailash Kund to seek blessings. The Yatra usually attracts thousands of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.
The recent cloudburst in Kishtwar's Chasoti village resulted in numerous fatalities, mostly pilgrims on the Machhail Mata pilgrimage trail. In Kathua district, flash floods and landslides following a cloudburst and torrential rains also caused fatalities. These incidents prompted the Doda administration to take precautionary measures.
The Deputy Commissioner has appealed to devotees and the general public to strictly follow the advisories issued by the administration. He has assured that the District Administration, in close coordination with police, health, and disaster management teams, is fully committed to ensuring that the Kailash Yatra 2025 is conducted in a safe and spiritually fulfilling manner. The administration is also closely monitoring weather patterns to ensure preparedness.
