Kinner Kailash Yatra Suspended Amid Heavy Rains and Safety Concerns
In a heartfelt decision prioritizing safety over tradition, the Kinnaur district administration has temporarily suspended the sacred ‘Kinner Kailash’ pilgrimage due to relentless rainfall and worsening weather conditions across Himachal Pradesh.
Officials say the decision was made with a heavy heart, citing dangerous trail conditions, landslide risks, and the threat of glacial melting. The annual yatra, which began earlier this week and was set to continue until August 30, will remain on hold until the weather clears and the route is deemed safe.
“The safety of pilgrims is our top priority,” the administration said in an advisory. “We urge everyone to stay updated and follow all safety instructions.”
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for the region, with areas like Jogindernagar and Shimla already experiencing intense downpours. In Shimla, a large deodar tree was uprooted during Friday’s rains, crashing onto a house in Krishna Nagar. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the incident has raised alarms about other vulnerable trees in the area.
Local leaders are calling for swift action to prevent further accidents, while the administration has appealed to both residents and pilgrims to avoid riverbanks, unstable slopes, and forested areas during this risky period.
As the monsoon continues to lash the hills, the spirit of the pilgrimage remains strong—but for now, safety comes first.
