The Office of Deputy Commissioner, Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh, has issued a formal communication to the District Magistrate of Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, drawing attention to the impending Manimahesh Yatra 2023 and highlighting the necessity of adhering to the ban on animal sacrifice at religious sites.
The revered Manimahesh Yatra, slated to commence on September 7th and conclude on September 23rd, is an annual pilgrimage where devotees from across the nation congregate to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. To ensure the safety, welfare, and convenience of the pilgrims, the Manimahesh Trust has introduced online registration for the yatra, available at https://www.manimaheshyatra.hp.gov.in/register.
The Deputy Commissioner of Chamba, Apoorv Devgan, emphasized the significance of pre-registering online, urging pilgrims to take advantage of the platform for a smoother journey. He also highlighted the availability of Heli Taxi services from Bharmour to Gaurikund, aimed at further enhancing the pilgrims’ experience during the yatra. (https://helitaxii.com)
However, the communique underscored a pressing issue – the violation of the government’s ban on animal sacrifice at religious sites. Many pilgrims, primarily from the Jammu and Kashmir region, are expected to visit Manimahesh during the specified period, some with livestock such as sheep and goats. The Chamba district administration, through this communication, has taken a proactive step in urging pilgrims to familiarize themselves with the regulations and laws governing animal sacrifice, and to refrain from bringing their animals to the holy event.
The government of Himachal Pradesh reiterates that animal sacrifice is strictly prohibited at religious places, and urges pilgrims to respect the sanctity of the Manimahesh Yatra by adhering to this ban. Authorities in the region have been advised to sensitize visiting pilgrim groups about these laws and discourage them from bringing animals, particularly sheep and goats, to the yatra.
The Deputy Commissioner of Chamba, Apoorv Devgan, IAS, signed the communique, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cleanliness and not littering plastic or other waste during the yatra.
As the Manimahesh Yatra approaches, authorities are poised to ensure that the event upholds its spiritual significance and adheres to the regulatory framework set in place, fostering an environment of reverence and respect for the pilgrims, the destination, and the cultural practices associated with it.
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Haseena Ayoob is a regular contributor of The Chenab Times.
