China defers Kailash pilgrimage

The Chinese government has told the ministry of external affairs that due to "domestic conditions" it was impossible for them to receive the pilgrim before June 21.

Following this the MEA has cancelled the visit of the first batch of pilgrims, who would have started their journey to have a darshan of the Mount Kailash and a cimcumbulation of the Lake Mansarovar, on June 1.

Mount Kailash and Mansarovar are considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains alike, who undetake this arduous pilgrimage each year from India. The Chinese government makes all the arrangements for the pilgrimage. The pilgrims have to pass medical fitness test to be eligible for the trek. Also the number of pilgrims is restricted.

The pilgrims have a darshan of the Kailash, and circumfabulate about 52-kms circumfrence of the Lake in cold desert conditions.

The pilgrim would now start from June 21. A MEA spokesperson said that New Delhi was trying to persuade Beijing to accomodate the first batch of pilgrims, who were scheduled to leave on June 1.