The upcoming Kailash Kund Vasuki Nag Yatra pilgrimage, scheduled to begin on August 29, is facing a serious terror threat this year. In response to security concerns, the administration has implemented strict measures, limiting the number of pilgrims and securing the pilgrimage route from Kathua district, according to media reports. Usually, around 10,000 devotees participate in this pilgrimage across various routes, with 2,000-3,000 pilgrims from Bani and Duggan in Kathua alone. However, this year, the number of community kitchens (langars) will be reduced. The pilgrimage traditionally begins at Chhatragalla on the Bhaderwah-Kathua border, where terrorists attacked a joint army-police post in June. Similarly, the Nuknali Mata pilgrimage earlier this year was also cancelled due to security threats.
Security is reinforced
According to reports, given the alleged presence of terrorists in the mountains surrounding Doda, Bhaderwah, Kathua and Udhampur, the authorities have decided to impose tight security measures for the yatra. The safety of the pilgrims is paramount and adjustments could be made in the schedule of the yatra to ensure that they reach safe places before nightfall. The main yatra, which begins from the Vasuki Nag temple in Gatha, Bhaderwah, attracts a significant number of pilgrims from areas such as Dudu Basantgarh in Udhampur, Billawar, Basholi and Bani. After a holy dip in the holy lake, the pilgrims return but have to pass through dense forests to reach Kailash Kund from Bhaderwah, Udhampur and Bani. With the rise in terrorist activity in these areas, the security agencies are not leaving anything to chance.
Kaplash, the abode of Lord Vasuki, is of great importance.
Kailash Kund, also known as Kaplash, is revered as Vasuki Kund, and is believed to be the abode of Nagraj Vasuki. Situated at a height of 14,500 feet above sea level, this large kund of cool, clear water attracts devotees to take a holy dip amidst challenging mountainous terrain and breathtaking views. The yatra, which begins on the 14th day of Shravan Purnima, sees devotees reach various stops, engage in bhajan-kirtan and dance to the melodious tunes of Dhakku while singing praises. The main yatra originates from Gatha in Bhaderwah, home to the ancient Vasuki Nag Temple, where devotees worship the deity as their Kuldev (family deity). The Vasuki Nag Temple in Duggan, Bani, is believed to have been built nearly four decades before the one in Panyalag. The yatra from Vasuki Nag Temple in Duggan to Kailash Kund is conducted every three years and is scheduled to take place this year as well.
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