Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes After 5 Years, UP Govt. Announces Rs. 1 Lakh Subsidy for Pilgrims

In a landmark decision, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a substantial subsidy of Rs.1 lakh per pilgrim for state domiciles participating in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This subsidy can be availed of only once in a lifetime and represents the most generous allowance offered by any Indian state for religious pilgrimage.

The sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has officially resumed after a five-year suspension, marking a significant milestone for Shiva devotees across India. The pilgrimage, considered one of the holiest sites for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, was flagged off by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita in a ceremonial launch. The first batch of 50 pilgrims departed from Mansarovar Bhawan in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, halting a prolonged delay in resumption since the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption has specifically been made possible due to improved India-China diplomatic relations, allowing access to the sacred route once again.

The 2025 pilgrimage for the Kailash Yatra season will accommodate 15 batches, with 50 devotees in each group. Due to many constraints, the government quota is limited to 750 pilgrims this year. The route is currently operational for government channels only, with private tour operators expected to commence operations once the documentation and permit processes are completed.

“Today is an auspicious day for Uttar Pradesh. With the efforts of the UP Chief Minister, devotees from across the country will embark on the Mansarovar Yatra,” stated Jaiveer Singh, UP’s Tourism and Culture Minister, during an interview with ANI. “Among all Indian states, Uttar Pradesh will be the most generous, providing each returning pilgrim with Rs. 1 lakh as a grant.”

For an effective pilgrimage experience to Kailash Mansarovar, eligible pilgrims must submit their applications within 90 days of completing the yatra to claim their subsidy. Applications submitted beyond this timeframe will automatically be rejected.

To those who are applying for a subsidy, the required documents include: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Domicile Certificate, Yatra Bill Invoice, Passport, Physical proof of Kailash Yatra (photographs), Visa documentation, and Bank account details. The subsidy is available to all domiciles of Uttar Pradesh, regardless of whether they travel through government programs or private tour operators. The Directorate of Religious Affairs, Lucknow, will verify all applications and supporting documents. Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meshram emphasized that the support is exclusively for state domiciles at the time of yatra commencement.

Approved applicants will receive their grants in the subsequent financial year. Those with incomplete or fraudulent documentation will face automatic rejection and receive an SMS notification. The government has warned that any misuse or concealment of facts will result in legal action against the applicant. Pilgrims can submit their applications through the official UP government website: updharmarthkarya.in. The digital platform aims to streamline the state pilgrimage subsidy distribution process and ensure transparency in the allocation of grants.

Trip To Temples has been providing comprehensive assistance to pilgrims for a decade now. These services extend beyond the journey itself, offering support with subsidy application processes to ensure smooth and convenient documentation submission.

Minister Singh highlighted the special nature of this initiative, noting that “the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh himself is a saint and ascetic,” underscoring the government’s commitment to facilitating religious pilgrimages.

The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra represents a momentous occasion for Indian devotees who have waited years to undertake this spiritual journey. The pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar holds profound religious significance, believed to offer spiritual purification and divine blessings. The comprehensive arrangements ensure that pilgrims face minimal inconvenience, with all necessary facilities and support systems in place for a smooth and spiritually fulfilling journey.