Doda, August 19 — The district administration in Doda has curtailed the scale of the annual Kailash Yatra, with Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh confirming that only priests and traditional Bajantaris will be permitted to perform the rituals this year.
Addressing the media, the Deputy Commissioner underlined that the decision was taken purely in the interest of public safety, as the higher reaches of Bhaderwah and adjoining areas have been witnessing persistent rainfall, landslides, and treacherous terrain.
“The weather conditions are not favourable for a mass pilgrimage. In such circumstances, permitting thousands of devotees to undertake the trek would expose them to serious danger. We have therefore limited participation only to the ritual custodians,” he said.
The administration clarified that while religious traditions at Kailash Kund will be carried out as per schedule, pilgrims from Kathua and Bhalessa routes will not be allowed to move forward this year.
The Kailash Yatra, widely regarded as a spiritual highlight of the Chenab Valley, typically draws devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir as well as neighbouring states. However, officials stressed that the unprecedented curbs are a temporary measure and requested public cooperation to ensure safety.