Pilgrims visit Mount Kailash, Mansarovar after six-year wait | Current Affairs | Vision IAS

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Pilgrims visit Mount Kailash, Mansarovar after six-year wait

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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage for multiple religions, has resumed after a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and military tensions between India and China.

Background and Significance

  • The yatra is a holy pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Tibetan Bons.
  • Mount Kailash is believed to be the abode of the Hindu god Shiva and is revered as "Mount Meru" by Buddhists.
  • Jains associate it with their first Tirthankara, Rishabdeva, and Tibetan Bons consider it sacred along with the Mansarovar Lake.

Restoration of India-China Relations

  • The yatra marks the first major people-to-people mechanism restored between India and China post-pandemic.
  • Future restorations are expected to include direct flights, visa openings, tourism routes, and economic discussions.

Organizational Aspects

  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the nodal agency for coordinating the yatra.
  • Each group of pilgrims includes a doctor, and Indian cooks accompany them to ensure familiar food is available.
  • The Chinese government has enhanced facilities including biometrics at checkpoints, multilingual interpreters, and oxygen facilities.

Experiences of Pilgrims

  • Despite past tensions, pilgrims report positive experiences with both Indian and Chinese authorities.
  • Pilgrims are from diverse age groups (18 to 69) and include both resident Indians and NRIs.
  • Pranav Gupta, a pilgrim from Jammu, emphasized the importance of faith over fitness in completing the trek.

Cultural and Economic Impact

  • Local Tibetan porters and businesses have seen reduced work due to previous restrictions.
  • The pilgrimage is a form of cross-Himalayan cultural exchange and economic activity.

Regulations and Restrictions

  • In 2001-2002, the Chinese government banned climbing Mount Kailash and strictly regulates visits to Mansarovar Lake.
  • India and China had earlier agreed in 1981 to restart the ancient pilgrimage route.
  • Tags :
  • India China
  • Mansarovar Yatra
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