Mahinder Patyal
Bharmour : In preparation for the upcoming Shri Manimahesh Yatra 2025, a key meeting was held on Tuesday with the heads of all langar (community kitchen) committees. The meeting was chaired by Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Bharmour, Kulbir Singh Rana, and included both government and non-government members of the Shri Manimahesh Trust. Several participants also joined via video conferencing.
ADM Rana emphasized that all langar committees must submit their sanitation fees through cheque and furnish their audit reports without fail. Each langar unit will be issued five identity cards for verification during the pilgrimage.
In line with directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the use of non-biodegradable food packaging and single-use plastic will be strictly prohibited. Furthermore, all activities within the catchment area of the sacred Dal Lake will be banned to preserve the sanctity of the pilgrimage site.
Rana announced that no langars or shops will be permitted along NH-154 from Dadma to Patti; only designated spots will be authorized. Unauthorized commercial activity will face strict action. He also stressed that langar operators must provide toilet facilities, and failure to comply with cleanliness standards could result in blacklisting.
Highlighting support for first-time participants, ADM Rana said that newly established langars along the Holi-Kalah route will be exempted from sanitation fees this year. A cleanliness drive will also be conducted from Hadsar to Dal Lake between July 15 and 30, encouraging participation from all langar groups.
The 2025 Yatra will take place from August 16 to 31. Devotees will be charged a registration fee of ₹20 during the yatra period and ₹100 during off-season.
The meeting concluded with a detailed discussion on suggestions from langar committees and NGO members.
