Kailash Yatra Begins in Bhaderwah Amid Cloudburst Aftermath

On August 18, 2025, the annual Kailash Yatra began in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, with religious fervor. However, the local authorities have allowed only a limited number of pilgrims to participate in the three-day event as a precautionary measure following the recent cloudburst incident at Chishoti in Padder.

The Charri Mubarak, a sacred procession, left the ancient Vasuki Nag Temple in Gatha, Bhaderwah, and passed through the town, where local officials and a large number of residents accorded a warm send-off to the pilgrims. The yatra is scheduled to reach its holy destination of Kailash Kund on Thursday, where devotees will take a dip in the sacred waters and perform traditional rituals. The pilgrims will then begin their return journey to Bhaderwah on Friday.

The Doda district administration has issued an advisory regarding the inclement weather in the region, which has led to the restricted participation in the annual Kailash Yatra this year. Despite the challenges, the local community has come together to ensure the successful completion of this revered pilgrimage.