Bahraich: A group of pilgrims from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand set off for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal on Thursday after receiving a traditional farewell at Bliss Resort in Bahraich.

The pilgrims were welcomed with tilak, garlands and Vedic chants before departing for Nepalgunj as per their itinerary. The batch includes devotees from Mumbai, Meerut, Khatauli in Muzaffarnagar, and Rishikesh.

Manish Malhotra, proprietor of Bliss Resort, said the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a spiritual journey rooted in faith and devotion. He said it was a privilege for the resort to host the pilgrims and wish them a safe journey.

Yatra coordinator Mukesh Kumar Bansal said all arrangements had been completed in advance to ensure the devotees travel safely. He described the pilgrimage as a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience for followers of Lord Shiva.

Pilgrim Alok Kumar Agarwal from Mumbai said his long-cherished wish to visit Kailash Mansarovar was finally coming true and that his family was excited about the journey.

Kamal Nayan Gohal from Meerut said the pilgrimage tests the mind, body and soul while offering spiritual strength. Sanjay Vasantrao Deshmukh of Mumbai said visiting Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake is a cherished dream for every Shiva devotee.

Young pilgrim Pradhnya Deshmukh said she had heard about Kailash Mansarovar since childhood and felt inspired to undertake the pilgrimage. She said the younger generation should remain connected to India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Seema Agarwal from Mumbai said the Yatra is a path to inner peace and devotion, adding that joining the pilgrimage was an unforgettable moment in her life.

The group also includes Arvind Kumar Gupta, Pushpa Deshmukh, Ganesh Kumar Sahu, Rakesh Kumar, Anjana Saxena, Neelu Verma, Naveen Kumar Bhardwaj, Uma Devi, Praveen Gupta, Chandramohan Sharma, Pradeep Kumar, Keshav Mohan Bhardwaj, Sabita Panigrahi and other devotees.

The pilgrims will travel through Nepal to Mansarovar Lake, where they will perform religious rituals before undertaking the parikrama of Mount Kailash. Bliss Resort wished the pilgrims a safe and successful journey.