DUDU: The historic Kailash Kund Yatra from Dudu was flagged off today amid great religious fervour, traditional fanfare and enthusiastic participation of devotees, marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage to the sacred Kailash Kund, revered as the abode of Lord Vasuki Nag.
The Yatra was flagged off by MLA Udhampur East Shri Ranbir Singh Pathania in the august presence of DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Mr Shiv Kumar Sharma, Brigadier CRPF Mr Manish Yadav, SDM Dudu, Manmeet Singh, SHO Latti Gurnam Singh, besides a galaxy of civil and police officers, local representatives and prominent citizens.
Members of the Vasuki Nag Management Committee, led by its President Mr Hans Raj Thakur, along with Kasturi Lal Gupta, former Sarpanchs, Retired Headmaster Mr Khem Raj and other members of the local community, were also present on the occasion.
The atmosphere at Dudu was filled with devotion as pilgrims, carrying religious flags and participating in traditional rituals, embarked upon the challenging pilgrimage towards the high-altitude Kailash Kund. The Yatra witnessed enthusiastic participation from people of Dudu, Basantgarh and adjoining areas.
Kailash Kund Yatra: a symbol of faith and people's resilience
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ranbir Singh Pathania said that the Kailash Kund Yatra is not merely a religious pilgrimage but also a symbol of the deep faith, courage and resilience of the people of the region.
He said that Kailash Kund holds immense religious significance as the sacred abode of Lord Vasuki Nag, attracting devotees from different parts of the region. Traditional Yatra routes originate from several directions, including Bhaderwah, Chamba, Bani, Billawar, Basantgarh and Dudu, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural and religious links between these areas.
Pathania recalled that the Yatra from this belt had faced interruptions during the difficult years when the region was affected by sporadic militant activities. However, he said, the unwavering faith and determination of the local people ensured that this ancient tradition was revived in 2010.
He said the revival of the Yatra is a testimony to the indomitable spirit of the people of Dudu-Basantgarh, who remained committed to preserving their religious traditions and cultural heritage despite difficult circumstances.
Kailash Kund–Seoj Dhar: immense tourism potential
Pathania said that the entire Kailash Kund–Seoj Dhar landscape possesses tremendous potential for pilgrimage, eco-tourism, trekking and adventure tourism.
He said the high-altitude meadows, pristine forests, snow-clad mountains and spectacular natural surroundings provide a unique opportunity to develop the area as a major religious-cum-adventure tourism destination.
“The Kailash Kund Yatra should not be looked at merely as an annual religious event. It provides us an opportunity to put the immense natural, spiritual and tourism potential of Dudu, Basantgarh and Seoj Dhar on the tourism map,” Pathania said.
He emphasised that the region can be developed as a major tourism circuit by integrating its religious heritage with trekking, nature tourism, camping and adventure activities, while ensuring that the fragile Himalayan ecology is fully protected.
Pathania reiterated his commitment to pursuing the Dudu–Seoj Dhar–Bhaderwah road, describing it as a long-cherished demand and a project capable of transforming the socio-economic landscape of the entire region.
He said improved connectivity would facilitate pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Kund Yatra and simultaneously provide a major boost to tourism, trade and local economic activity.
“The Dudu–Seoj Dhar–Bhaderwah connectivity is not simply a road project. It can become the backbone of a new tourism corridor connecting the religious and natural treasures of this entire belt,” he said.
Pathania further advocated strengthening and extending connectivity from the Chenani–Sudh Mahadev side towards Dudu and Basantgarh and thereafter towards Ramnagar, so that the region can be integrated into a wider spiritual and tourism circuit.
He said such connectivity would help establish Dudu-Basantgarh as an epicentre of pilgrimage, eco-tourism, trekking and adventure tourism.
Focus on pilgrim facilities and eco-friendly infrastructure
Pathania stressed the need for planned and environment-friendly infrastructure along the pilgrimage route.
He said priority should be given to providing toilets, drinking water facilities, eco-huts, resting shelters, medical and emergency services, waste-management facilities, proper signages and designated camping areas at suitable locations.
He emphasised that tourism infrastructure must be developed in harmony with nature and that the pristine character of Seoj Dhar and the Kailash Kund landscape must be preserved.
He said the local community should remain at the centre of the tourism development strategy so that increased pilgrimage and tourism generate employment and livelihood opportunities for local youth, transporters, shopkeepers, guides and other residents.
A new chapter for Dudu and Basantgarh
Pathania said that the renewed enthusiasm surrounding the Kailash Kund Yatra reflects the changing atmosphere in the region and the people's determination to move towards peace, development and prosperity.
He appreciated the civil administration, police, CRPF, local management committee, volunteers and residents for their cooperation in facilitating the Yatra and ensuring arrangements for the pilgrims.
He said every possible effort would be made to strengthen pilgrim facilities and promote the area as a destination of religious, ecological and adventure tourism.
The Yatra proceeded towards the sacred Kailash Kund amid chants and prayers, with devotees expressing faith in Lord Vasuki Nag and praying for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the region.
