S Gopal Puri
Shimla: In the heart of the Himalayas lies a sacred geography revered for centuries — the Panch Kailash.
Out of these five, three are nestled in Himachal Pradesh: Kinnaur Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev and Manimahesh. The remaining two are Adi Kailash in Uttarakhand and Mount Kailash in Tibet.
These pilgrimages are not only spiritual journeys but also reflections of the seriousness with which societies treat faith, safety and public welfare. Across India and beyond, religious pilgrimages have been known to bring both positivity and prosperity.
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, for example, attracts lakhs of pilgrims each year, generating significant local employment in hospitality, transport and services.
Similarly, Amarnath Yatra in Jammu & Kashmir is not only an event of faith but a backbone of the region’s seasonal economy, contributing crores annually.
Globally, sites like Mecca and Santiago de Compostela in Spain highlight how structured pilgrimage infrastructure translates into both spiritual fulfillment and economic upliftment.
In Himachal Pradesh, however, the picture is mixed. Despite being home to three of the Panch Kailash, facilities for pilgrims remain inadequate.
The treacherous routes to Shrikhand Mahadev or Kinnaur Kailash lack proper safety mechanisms, medical stations or organised shelters.
Even at Manimahesh, where thousands gather annually, logistical challenges of crowd management, sanitation and transport remain pressing concerns. While the faith of devotees continues to fuel these journeys, the absence of preparedness raises questions about accountability.
Experts argue that the pilgrimage in Himachal has immense untapped potential. With better infrastructure, these routes could attract not just domestic devotees but international spiritual tourists, significantly boosting the local economy while preserving cultural heritage.
Unfortunately, the lack of structured planning means missed opportunities — both in ensuring safety and in creating sustainable growth.
“Ultimately, pilgrimage is more than a ritual; it is a mirror of collective responsibility. It spreads positivity among communities and prosperity through livelihoods. If other regions can invest in creating safer, accessible pathways for devotees, the question looms large — why not Himachal, the very Devbhoomi celebrated as the land of gods?” says RS Sharma, a Kangra resident.
