Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH, Aug 30: Thousands of Nag devotees here today joined the Charri Mubarak (Holy Mace) of three-day annual Kailash Yatra amid tight security arrangements.
The Nag devotee joined Charri of the Yatra which started from Vasuki Nag temple in Gatha, Bhaderwah and moved towards Kailash Kund located at a height of 14700 ft above sea level.
Scores of devotees from different parts of India and abroad started visiting the ancient Vasuki Nag temple from early in the morning from where the Charri for Kailash Yatra started.
The pilgrimage to 14,700-feet-high Kailash Kund, depicting ancient Nag culture, was seen off by SSP Doda, Mohd Aslam and SP Bhaderwah, Vinod Kumar who also joined the procession amid chanting of devotional songs dedicated to the deity and Lord Shiva.
Last year 27,000 devotees paid obeisance at holy Kailash Kund while this year despite Assembly elections, more pilgrims are expected to reach Kailash Kund.
Kailash Yatra is considered as one of the toughest pilgrimage.
About 11000 devotees accompanied the Charri which was joined by another Charri from Vasuki Nag temple at Vasak Dera in Bhaderwah town, marking the commencement of the Yatra.
Speaking on the occasion SSP Doda, Mohd Aslam said that adequate security arrangements have been put in place with the coordination of Udhampur and Kathua Police as Charri comes from these districts as well.
The devotees will have a holy dip in Ice Lake, abode of Lord Vasuki Nag.