New Delhi, July 6 -- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday flagged off the first batch of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Lipulekh Pass from Tanakpur in Champawat.

Addressing the pilgrims, the Chief Minister said he prayed to Lord Shiva for their safe, smooth and peaceful journey, adding that the yatra is a matter of divine blessing and devotion.

He noted that in a country of 1.4 billion people, only 49 pilgrims have been selected for this rare spiritual journey, calling it a reflection of Lord Shiva's grace.

"I offer my prayers to Lord Shiva for your pleasant, smooth, and safe Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. May Mahadev bless you all. As I said at the beginning, his grace is truly upon you; otherwise, in a nation of ...