Tragic Turn for Punjab Pilgrims: Manimahesh Yatra Claims Three Lives

Tragedy struck the revered Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district as three pilgrims from Punjab died due to hypoxia. Officials revealed on Monday that the deceased, identified as Aman and Rohit, both 18, from Pathankot, and Anmol, 26, from Gurdaspur, faced the fatal consequences of insufficient oxygen during their spiritual journey.

The initial reports suggest one pilgrim succumbed to hypoxia on Sunday night, while the others died on Monday. Their bodies are being transported to Bharmaur in Chamba and will be released to their families post-autopsy. The pilgrimage was temporarily halted again due to rains and landslides after restarting on Sunday, stated Additional District Magistrate Bharmaur, Kuldeep Singh Rana.

The Manimahesh Yatra, which runs annually from August 17 to September 15, typically follows the Chamba-Bharmour-Hadsar route. However, severe weather concerns led to its latest suspension. The Meteorological Department warned of heavy rainfall in the Chamba district with a red alert announced for Monday.

(With inputs from agencies.)