Boxer becomes 1st woman to finish 600 km Kanwar Yatra in Himachal
Himachal Pradesh, a state known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, has witnessed a remarkable feat by a young woman from the state. Kritika Thakur, a 21-year-old state-level boxer, has made history by becoming the first woman in Himachal Pradesh to complete a 600 km Kanwar Yatra on foot. The grueling journey, which typically takes around 15 days to complete, was undertaken by Thakur from Gaumukh in Uttarakhand to her village in Himachal’s Mandi district.
Kanwar Yatra, a revered Hindu pilgrimage, is a 600 km long journey that thousands of devotees undertake every year to fetch holy water from the Gangotri Glacier, also known as Gaumukh, to offer it at various shrines and temples in Himachal Pradesh. The yatra is considered a significant spiritual experience, and Thakur’s achievement has not only broken the glass ceiling but also inspired countless women in the state to take up such challenges.
Thakur, who hails from a small village in Mandi district, has been involved in sports from a young age. Her passion for boxing has earned her several accolades at the state level, and she has been a regular participant in various national-level competitions. However, it was her father, a devout Hindu and a regular Kanwar Yatra participant, who inspired her to take up the challenge. Thakur’s father has been participating in the yatra for the past 11 years and has always encouraged his daughter to join him.
“I have been accompanying my father on the Kanwar Yatra for a few years now, and I was fascinated by the devotion and discipline displayed by the devotees,” Thakur said in an interview. “My father has been participating in the yatra for 11 years, and he has always motivated me to join him. This year, I decided to take up the challenge and walk the entire distance with him.”
Thakur’s journey was not without its challenges. She faced numerous obstacles, including treacherous terrain, scorching heat, and challenging weather conditions. However, her determination and resilience helped her overcome these hurdles and complete the yatra on foot.
“I have never felt so challenged in my life,” Thakur said. “The terrain was tough, and the heat was unbearable at times. But I was driven by my father’s encouragement and my own determination to complete the yatra. I walked for around 20 km every day, and it took me around 15 days to complete the entire distance.”
Thakur’s achievement has not only made headlines in Himachal Pradesh but also inspired countless women in the state to take up similar challenges. Her story serves as a reminder that women are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to, and that with determination and hard work, even the most daunting tasks can be accomplished.
Thakur’s father, who has been a constant source of inspiration for her, is overjoyed by her achievement. “I am extremely proud of my daughter’s determination and resilience,” he said. “She has always been a fighter, and her achievement is a testament to her strength and courage. I hope her story will inspire many women in the state to take up similar challenges and push their limits.”
As Thakur’s story continues to inspire people across the state, it is clear that she has not only broken a glass ceiling but has also set a new benchmark for women in Himachal Pradesh. Her achievement is a reminder that women are capable of achieving greatness, and that with determination and hard work, even the most daunting tasks can be accomplished.
