In response to evolving ground conditions, unstable weather, and local security arrangements in Nepal, the Rajasthan government has announced a major administrative decision concerning its flagship Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme. Following instructions from Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the state administration has deferred the official Pashupatinath Yatra until August 31. As part of this protective measure, all scheduled pilgrimage flights from Rajasthan to Kathmandu between August 27 and August 31 have been suspended. Consequently, elderly pilgrims registered for the trip are advised to delay their travel plans until further notification.
Temporary Suspension of Kathmandu Flights Through August 31
According to official directives issued by the Devasthan Department, all air travel services bound for Kathmandu under the state-sponsored pilgrimage initiative remain halted from August 27 to August 31. This restriction directly impacts senior citizens who were scheduled to board flights to visit the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal during this window. Authorities noted that current security protocols and unpredictable weather patterns across key regions in Nepal make immediate air transport unsuitable for elderly passengers. Rather than risking passenger safety under uncertain conditions, the department opted for a cautious postponement until stability is re-established.
Prioritizing Health and Security for Elderly Pilgrims
Emphasizing the government's commitment to public welfare, Devasthan Minister Joraram Kumawat affirmed that pilgrim safety remains the paramount concern. He stated, "The safety and health of pilgrims is the government's top priority, and fresh dates will be decided once conditions in Nepal normalize." Officials highlighted that senior citizens require additional care and stable environments compared to regular travelers. Given the vulnerabilities associated with advanced age, operating flights during adverse weather or shifting local security situations presented unacceptable risks. Monitoring teams are continuously evaluating weather updates and administrative reports from Nepal.
Postponed Not Cancelled: Schedule Review After August 31
The state government emphasized that the Pashupatinath Yatra has not been permanently cancelled but merely deferred. Once the suspension period concludes on August 31, officials will conduct a comprehensive review of the security environment and air travel infrastructure in Kathmandu. If conditions improve and safety clearance is obtained, the Devasthan Department will issue a revised itinerary for all registered pilgrims. Until then, senior citizens enrolled in the scheme have been asked to await official updates regarding rescheduled flight departures.
