S Gopal Puri
Chamba: The famous Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district has been completely suspended due to continuous heavy rains and landslides, officials confirmed on Friday (August 29, 2025).
The authorities have stopped all further movement of pilgrims beyond Chamba, directing them to return from their present locations. Even the traditional holy staffs (‘chhadis’), which are ceremonially carried to Manimahesh Lake, have not been allowed to proceed this year due to safety concerns.
Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal said the decision was taken as multiple stretches of the route remain blocked, making onward travel unsafe.
The disruption comes ahead of the important ritual bath scheduled for August 31 when thousands of devotees traditionally take a dip in the sacred Dal Lake near Manimahesh Kailash peak.
Officials said the weather conditions have prevented large-scale participation of pilgrims this year, with many unable to reach the lake.
Meanwhile, reports confirm that 11 pilgrims have died during the journey so far. Some bodies have already been recovered while others remain missing. District authorities also reported several injuries as landslides and flashfloods hit different points along the pilgrimage route. Thousands of devotees from Himachal and neighbouring states remain stranded at various locations, with rescue efforts underway.
Deputy Commissioner Repaswal confirmed the fatalities and said efforts were being made to ensure the safety of those stranded. “Given the weather and road conditions, halting the yatra was the only viable step,” he said.
The Manimahesh Yatra, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of north India’s most revered and difficult pilgrimages. This year’s journey has been severely impacted by the monsoon fury, turning a spiritual event into a humanitarian crisis.
