Srikhand: Adventure pilgrimage to mountain
by Nagendra Ranta

         Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is known as the land of ll overrikhand: Adventure pilgrimage to mountain by Nagendra Ranta Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is known as the land of Gods. The deities here are worshipped everywhere in the country. Each year in the month of August, pilgrims flock in large numbers to go on Yatras or pilgrimage to the Himalayas. One such yatra is organised to Srikhand mountain peak which is considered one of the holy abodes of Lord Shiva. Situated in higher Himalayas in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, this adventure pilgrimage begins from Sarpara in Kullu district. The way to the Srikhand mountain, considered as one of the abodes of Lord Shiva offers spiritual peace as well as gives a chance to trek on the lofty Himalayan mountains.

          The month of August is chosen by these pilgrims as apart from being considered auspicious it is relatively easier to climb during this time as the route is cleared of snow. The devotees who come from various parts of the country travel for about 45 Kms both ways in four days. This also includes the daunting task of climbing 22 kilometres uphill the steep mountain to reach the peak of Srikhand mountain. Negotiating dangerous curves and without any protective gear, the pilgrims can put expert mountaineers to shame. En route the trek, which takes pilgrims through beautiful valleys, magical pastures and finally through the difficult and treacherous terrain of the mighty Himalayas, the devotees pray in makeshift temples. At an altitude of 18,570 feet, the Srikhand Mahadev peak resembles the "shivling" or the symbol of Lord Shiva. For many pilgrims, the journey to the Lord is a once-in-a- lifetime experience. "Although all religious places belonging to the Lord are places where wishes are fulfilled, the Srikhand peak is a place where they will definitely be fulfilled. This is one of the toughest pilgrimages. We also had this curiosity to find out the adventure in this trip. When we came here, we felt we met the actual Lord," said Arun Kumar, a pilgrim. The State Tourism Department runs organized pilgrimage tours for the benefit of the travellers. A Committee has been formed to facilitate the pilgrimage which comprises of people from Kullu, Shimla and Kinnaur districts of Himachal Pradesh. "All arrangements and facilities required for the pilgrims are made with regard to food and lodging. Besides that, since last year, we organized a community kitchen for seven days, it has been increased to ten now and next year, we plan to increase it to fifteen days," said Jeevan Chauhan, President of the Srikhand Yatra Committee. Himachal was known since the earliest of times as "Devabhoomi", or the abode of the Gods. Apart from the religious significance,the pilgrims also explore the splendid heights of the Himalyan ranges, with their great scenic beauty.
- Aug 16, 2005

Kanwaria pilgrims promote communal harmony
by Ashish Goel

          Haridwar (Uttaranchal): The Kanwaria festival in Gangotri and Haridwar in Uttranchal state is an example of communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims. This atmosphere of brotherhood and communal bonhomie is most visible in wooden "Kanwars" (frame or batons used to carry pots containing water), most of which are manufactured by Muslims. The holy water is carried in earthen pots that hang from a decorative wooden frame. Muslims have been making the Kanwars for centuries and people of both communities see this as an ideal way to nurture brotherhood and promote peace. "We really like that our Hindus friends coming here to carry the water in Kanwars made by us. We respect their religious sentiments. We also hold the Ganges in high regard," said Nijammudin, a Kanwar maker. "We have never regarded them as Hindus or ourselves as Muslims. Both religions are to be respected and that's how we perceive them as," added Jamil Ahmed, another Kanwar maker. The Hindus reciprocated the same feelings. "Most Kanwar makers in the region belong to the Muslim community. We have never treated each other indifferently. We take Lord Shiva's name and they do the same. Through this, we are sharing religious sentiments which will help us to respect each others religion and promote the feeling of brotherhood," said Ram Avtar, a pilgrim. Shravan (the monsoon month of July-August in the Hindu calendar, is believed to be auspicious), and lakhs of saffron-clad pilgrims are seen thronging both Gangotri and Haridwar. "Kanwarias", usually arrive barefoot from across the country. Tradition has it that the pot containing the Ganges water must not touch the ground till the time of consecration. Charitable organisations put up makeshift stands where the pots can be kept. All along the route to Haridwar, voluntary organisations put up food and medical stalls to cater to the pilgrims. Pilgrims return to their hometowns with the collected holy water and offer it to statues of Lord Shiva as a gesture of thanksgiving.
- Aug 1, 2005

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