Bhaderwah, Aug 20: The holy Kailash Kund Yatra 2025 commenced today in Bhaderwah with religious fervor and festivity, as hundreds of devotees from different parts of Jammu & Kashmir and neighboring states joined the centuries-old pilgrimage. The three-day yatra (20–22 August) will culminate at the revered Kailash Kund, situated at an altitude of nearly abou 14,000 feet above sea level.
Believed to be over a thousand years old, the yatra—also known as Charri Yatra—is one of the most significant spiritual events of the Chenab Valley. Pilgrims carrying the Charri Mubarak (holy mace) set off this morning from the ancient Vasuki Nag Temple at Gatha. Amidst devotional chants, drum beats, and conch shells, the procession passed through Bhaderwah town, where ADC Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutyal, accompanied by senior officials, members of the Sanatan Dharam Sabha, and a large gathering of locals, offered a ceremonial send-off.
Sacred Legacy & Rituals
The arduous trek, steeped in mythological significance, leads to the glacial Kailash Kund, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Vasuki Nag. Devotees undertake the journey across rugged mountains and high-altitude meadows, with a ritual dip in the icy waters of the kund considered a spiritual cleansing that absolves sins.
According to the schedule, the yatrees will halt tonight at Hayan (Nalthi) before resuming their climb. On 21st August, the pilgrims are expected to reach Kailash Kund to perform traditional rituals and holy dip, before beginning the return journey on 22nd August.
Limited Participation This Year
In view of the recent Padder cloudburst tragedy and warnings of unpredictable weather, the District Administration Doda has restricted participation this year. Only a limited number of yatrees have been permitted as a precautionary measure. Security, medical facilities, and rescue teams have been deployed along the route to ensure the safety of the devotees.
Despite the restrictions, the atmosphere in Bhaderwah remained vibrant, with the yatra once again reflecting not only deep-rooted faith and devotion but also the spirit of communal harmony and cultural tradition that has defined this pilgrimage for generations.
Report: Mansoor Qadir, ITN.
