In Jammu and Kashmir, the three-day annual Kailash Yatra began today in Bhaderwah town of the mountainous Doda district of Jammu division.
 
Akashvani Correspondent reports that elaborate security arrangements have been made by the Doda district administration for the Yatra as Police and CRPF personnel have been deployed all along the route to provide foolproof security to the pilgrims. Besides, the Army has sensitised all the high-altitude reaches surrounding the Yatra route. Pilgrims from across the mountainous valley of Bhaderwah and adjoining areas are attending the holy yatra with religious fervour and gaiety. The Charri Mubarak of Holy Kailash Yatra left for Kailash Kund from the ancient Vasuki Nag Temple, Gatha in Bhaderwah town. Amidst the chanting of religious slogans, the Yatra passed through the Bhaderwah Township where the local administration besides the President of Sanathan Dharm Sabha, and a number of local people welcomed the pilgrims. After a night’s stay at Hayan (Nalthi), the Yatra will reach the holy Kailash Kund tomorrow where the devotees take a dip in the sacred water of Kailash Dal. After performing religious rituals, the yatra will start its return journey to Bhaderwah on the 13th of September. Worth mentioning, the pilgrimage is considered one of the toughest as pilgrims have to trek 21 km steep Kailash Mountains Range in the Doda district to reach 14,700 feet high Holy ‘Kund’ (lake), where the devotees take a dip in ice-cold water to take the blessings of the ‘Serpent God’.