Dudu, September 8 (KNS): The annual Kailash Kund Yatra was flagged off from Dudu in Udhampur district on Tuesday amid religious fervour and participation of devotees from Dudu, Basantgarh and adjoining areas.

The Yatra was flagged off by Udhampur East MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania in the presence of DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Shiv Kumar Sharma, CRPF Brigadier Manish Yadav, SDM Dudu Manmeet Singh, SHO Latti Gurnam Singh and other civil and police officials.

Members of the Vasuki Nag Management Committee, led by its president Hans Raj Thakur, besides local representatives and prominent citizens, were also present.

Devotees carrying religious flags and participating in traditional rituals embarked on the pilgrimage to the high-altitude Kailash Kund, revered as the abode of Lord Vasuki Nag.

Speaking on the occasion, Pathania said the Kailash Kund Yatra was not merely a religious pilgrimage but also represented the faith, courage and resilience of the people of the region.

He said the traditional pilgrimage routes to Kailash Kund originate from several areas, including Bhaderwah, Chamba, Bani, Billawar, Basantgarh and Dudu, reflecting the cultural and religious links among these regions.

Pathania said the Yatra from the Dudu-Basantgarh belt had faced interruptions during the years when the region was affected by militant activities, but was revived in 2010 due to the determination of the local people.

He said the Kailash Kund-Seoj Dhar landscape had considerable potential for pilgrimage, eco-tourism, trekking and adventure tourism.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

"The Kailash Kund Yatra should not be looked at merely as an annual religious event. It provides us an opportunity to put the immense natural, spiritual and tourism potential of Dudu, Basantgarh and Seoj Dhar on the tourism map," Pathania said.

The MLA also advocated development of the Dudu-Seoj Dhar-Bhaderwah road as a major pilgrimage and tourism corridor, saying improved connectivity would facilitate the movement of pilgrims and boost tourism, trade and local economic activity.

He further called for strengthening connectivity from the Chenani-Sudh Mahadev side towards Dudu and Basantgarh and onward to Ramnagar to integrate the region into a wider spiritual and tourism circuit.

Pathania stressed the need for planned and environment-friendly infrastructure along the pilgrimage route, including drinking water, toilets, resting shelters, medical and emergency facilities, waste-management systems, signages and designated camping areas.

He said tourism development should protect the fragile Himalayan ecology and ensure that local communities benefit through employment and livelihood opportunities.

Pathania appreciated the civil administration, police, CRPF, management committee, volunteers and local residents for their cooperation in facilitating the pilgrimage.

The Yatra proceeded towards Kailash Kund amid chants and prayers, with devotees praying for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the region.(KNS)