TNR News Network
Chamba:
In an unprecedented turn of events, this year’s Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district witnessed the breaking of a centuries-old tradition as the sacred ritual of “Dal Todna” (symbolic breaking of the pilgrimage at Manimahesh Lake on Radhashtami) was not performed at the revered Manimahesh Dal Lake for the first time in recorded history. Instead, the ceremony had to be held at the historic Chaugan ground in Chamba town, marking a sombre departure from the age-old practice.
Shahi snan cancelled amid rain disaster
The annual ‘shahi snan’ at the high-altitude glacial lake, which draws tens of thousands of pilgrims every year, was also cancelled due to relentless rain and landslides that rendered the route to Manimahesh Dal Lake and Gaurikund inaccessible.
In a rare compromise, the traditional bath was symbolically performed in the premises of the Chaurasi Mandir complex in Bharmour.
Local authorities had initially planned to transport religious leaders and devotees by helicopter to the sacred site, but bad weather conditions forced the cancellation of the aerial rescue and access plan. With worsening conditions, the yatra was called off ahead of schedule, disappointing thousands of devotees and breaking a tradition that has endured for generations.
Thousands stranded as trek turns tragic
The worst disaster unfolded on August 25 when torrential rains battered Chamba district, stranding between 15,000 and 20,000 pilgrims along the Bharmour-Manimahesh trek. Rescue operations led by NDRF and SDRF teams managed to evacuate around 4,000 pilgrims, while over 10,000 devotees were forced to trek on foot to Chamba in harsh conditions.
Another 10,000 pilgrims were guided from Kalsui to Chamba, Pathankot and Jammu through emergency transportation arrangements. As of August 31, approximately 4,000 pilgrims remained stranded in and around Bharmour and 50 more were reported stuck along the Gaurikund-Harsar trail. Rescue and relief operations are continuing on a war footing.
16 deaths cast shadow over yatra
The tragedy was further deepened by the confirmation of 16 deaths during the 15-day pilgrimage window, including seven pilgrims who died during the Kailash Parikrama and nine others who succumbed to various causes at different locations.
To curb misinformation, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal and the Superintendent of Police themselves undertook an on-foot inspection of the pilgrimage track, urging the public to ignore rumours and trust only official updates. Authorities emphasised that safety and rescue remain top priorities amid the ongoing crisis.
The disaster has left a trail of destruction, particularly affecting essential services. The Jal Shakti Department has reported losses exceeding Rs 100 crore, with 487 drinking water supply schemes damaged across Chamba district. Of these, 394 have been partially restored, while efforts to revive the remaining schemes are underway with urgency.
