Chamba: Despite inclement weather, about 75,000 pilgrims and tourists, took a dip in the holy Manimahesh lake on Monday.
In the past two months the number of pilgrims who trekked to the lake has been put at about 500,000 by authorities.
The lake at the altitude of 4170 meters and lying at the foot Manimahesh Kaliash, is considered one the holy abodes of Lord Shiva, one of the three powerful Hindu divinities.
The pilgrims also did get to see Manimahesh Mount Kailash (the abode of Lord Shiva) situated at an altitude of 5656 metres on the auspicious occasion of Rakhshabandan, Janmaashtmi and Radhashtami – the concluding day of the Manimahesh pilgrimage.
Twelve pilgrims are reported to have died on the way, as the journey proved to arduous for them. However, the number is lesser than previous years.
“Pilgrims form Bhaderwah region of Jammu & Kashmir were also present in large numbers for the holy bath on Janamashtimi, said Neeraj Kumar”, the additional district magistrate at Bharmour.
“A complete ban on use of polythene was imposed and garbage disposal pits placed along the route to Manimahesh were provided with the help of NGOs, said Sharab Negi”, the deputy commissioner of Chamba.
