Pithoragarh, August 22(HS): The fifth and final group of devotees undertaking the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra returned safely to Indian territory on Friday morning, marking the conclusion of this year’s pilgrimage. A total of 50 pilgrims, including 37 men and 13 women, crossed into India through the Lipulekh Pass at around 9:30 a.m.
On arrival at the border, the pilgrims were warmly welcomed by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel with garlands. Favorable road conditions will allow the group to continue their onward journey with administrative support. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), along with district authorities, has arranged the necessary facilities for their comfort and safe travel.
Pilgrims in this concluding batch hailed from across the country: Gujarat (8), Uttar Pradesh (6), Rajasthan (6), Delhi (4), Tamil Nadu (4), Karnataka (4), Telangana (3), Haryana (3), West Bengal (2), Bihar (2), Chhattisgarh (2), Madhya Pradesh (2), Jharkhand (1), Tripura (1), Maharashtra (1), and Himachal Pradesh (1).
The safe return of the final contingent formally brings this year’s government-organised Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to a close.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar