The people from all walks of life in Himachal Pradesh have shown their solidarity with the issue of cow protection and preservation of its Indian species. This was evident from the massive response to Vishwa Mangal Gou Gram Yatra in the rural and far flung areas as well as in cities. At some places the Yatra could reach at around mid night. But the villagers, defying cold wave, waited for listening to the sants and mahatmas and pledged to take up the cause. One main and five sub Yatras in this hill state passed through about 3000 panchayats out of total 3300. The programme at the historic Ridge in Shimla was also a great success.
The winter season in the hills of Himachal Pradesh is not always considered good for large public programmes. This time winter started slightly late. But when the sun is about to set, cold waves in the high altitudes compel people to stay at homes. It was only people’s attachment to the cow that made them bear all odds.
Bharmour is the tribal area in district Chamba from where Mani Mahesh sub-Yatra kicked off on September 11. A large number of people were present there and that Yatra covered parts of Chamba and districts and merged with the main Yatra at Kangra. The main Yatra had entered the state at Nurpur on September 7.
Manu Maharaj subYatra started from Manali on September 11 and covered the parts of Kullu, Lahaul & Spiti, Mandi and Bilaspur districts. It merged with the main Yatra on October 8 at Bilaspur. Renuka Yatra started from Renuka in district Sirmour and it covered parts of Solan district also. In the tribal district of Kinnaur, “Kinnar Kailash Yatra” drawn attention of tribal population. This Yatra started on September 20 and finished at Shimla on October 8 covering parts of Shimla, Mandi and Solan districts.
Baba Balak Nath Yatra kicked off from Deothsidh in Hamirpur district on September 22 and merged with the main Yatra on 8th October at Nadaun. Main attraction of the Yatra was Swami Rageshwar Bharati, Shankracharya of Goukaran Peeth of Karnataka. He alongwith Swami Akhileshwara Nand and Shri Shankar Lal, National Secretary of the Yatra focused upon the importance of protection of cow and preservation of its Indian species. It is pertinent to mention that in all over the State people from all faiths not only participated in the programmes but also took pledge for the cause.
