Chamba, Sept. 1 -- A total of 16 devotees have lost their lives due to natural disasters during Chamba's Manimahesh Yatra, said Deputy Commissioner Chamba Mukesh Repswal. The yatra concluded yesterday under challenging weather conditions. Out of 16, seven died during the Manimahesh Kailash Parikrama, while nine others lost their lives at different locations along the pilgrimage route.

The traditional royal bath in Manimahesh Dal Lake on Radha Ashtami could not take place this time and was instead performed in 84 temple complexes instead of Dal Lake.

The administration had arranged helicopters to transport devotees from Sachui to Gaurikund, but weather conditions did not allow flights. Due to bad weather and landslides, the administratio...