By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
After a gap of five years, the Kailash-Mansarovar yatra on Saturday began from Tanakpur in Champawat district of Uttarakhand with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagging off the first group.
China had refused to accord permission to the yatra since covid pandemic in 2020 apparently due to the border tension. The yatra used to be organized every year through Lipulekh Pass in Pithoragarh district.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister accorded a traditional welcome to the pilgrims and presented souvenirs to them.
The Chief Minister also interacted with all the devotees who came from 11 states. Describing the pilgrims as privilege persons for undertaking the yatra, Dhami said the Kailash Mansarovar yatra is not just a religious ritual, but a path of spiritual and spiritual awakening. The yatra is a unique journey where the devotees feel spirituality and devotion, he said.
“This journey is no longer just a geographical route, but due to the visionary leadership and determination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it has become a powerful medium to meet Lord Shiva by crossing all boundaries,” Dhami said.
The Chief Minister said the Uttarakhand government is fully committed to making this journey smooth, safe and convenient. “Health, accommodation, food, security and other necessary facilities have been strengthened at every stop, so that the devotees do not have to face any kind of inconvenience,” he said. The Chief Minister prayed to Lord Shiva for a successful, auspicious and safe pilgrimage.
On this occasion, all the devotees expressed their gratitude and appreciated the good arrangements made by the state government.