Gangtok, June 20 (IPR): The flag-off ceremony of the first batch of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025 via Nathula took place at the Nathula Border Gate, today.
The yatra was officially flagged off by the Governor of Sikkim, Mr Om Prakash Mathur.The ceremony was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs Government of India.
Additional Chief Secretary Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Mr CS Rao, welcomed the pilgrims on behalf of the state government and the people of Sikkim. He informed that the first batch comprised 33 pilgrims and two liaison officers, one each from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. He stated that the state government, in coordination with concerned departments and paramilitary forces, had made all necessary arrangements to ensure the safety, comfort and smooth passage of the pilgrims during their journey.
In his address, Governor Mr Om Prakash Mathur stated that the reopening of the yatra after six years was the result of consistent efforts by the Government of India. He mentioned that Kailash Manasarovar holds deep religious and cultural importance for pilgrims across the country. He added that more batches of pilgrims would undertake the journey in the coming days.
Governor said he felt privileged to flag off the yatra and acknowledged the efforts of the state government and all concerned departments in making the event possible. He appreciated the people of Sikkim for upholding the value of “Atithi Devo Bhava” with commitment and respect towards the pilgrims. He highlighted that the hospitality shown by the people of Sikkim reflects their deep-rooted cultural values.
Governor advised the pilgrims to take care of their health and expressed hope for a smooth and safe pilgrimage.
In his address, Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation and Commerce & Industries Departments, Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia, stated that the reopening of the yatra after six years had brought renewed focus and support to tourism in Sikkim. He thanked the Government of India for selecting the Nathula route for this significant pilgrimage. He further stated that this development would contribute to both pilgrimage and tourism activities in the region.
He informed that the state government, in coordination with concerned departments and paramilitary forces, had worked together to ensure proper accommodation, logistics and all other essential arrangements for the successful conduct of the yatra.
During an interaction with the Governor and other dignitaries, the pilgrims expressed their gratitude to the Government of India and the Government of Sikkim. They acknowledged the support provided in terms of food, lodging, acclimatisation, and medical check-ups. They also extended their thanks to the paramilitary forces for their continued assistance and support throughout the process.
After completing all required formalities and security checks, the pilgrims proceeded towards the Indo-China border through the Nathula pass to begin their journey.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly Ms Raj Kumari Thapa, Minister Agriculture Horticulture Animal Husbandry Veterinary Services and Fisheries Mr Puran Kumar Gurung, Minister for Road and Bridges Mr Nar Bahadur Dahal (Chettri), MLA-cum-Advisor Health and Family Welfare and Culture Departments Mr Thenlay Tshering Bhutia, MLA-cum-Advisor for Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Mr Sudesh Kumar Subba, area MLA-cum-Advisor Social Welfare and Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Development Departments Ms Pamin Lepcha, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor and Urban Development Department Mr Jitendra Singh Raje, Principal Chief Engineer-cum-Secretary Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Mr Neeraj Pradhan, Secretary Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Ms Hondala Gyaltsen, Director Information and Public Relations Department Mr Umesh Sunam, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gangtok District Mr Mahendra Chettri, senior officers and officials from various departments, police personnel and paramilitary officers and dignitaries.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK
