Rajasthan suspends Pashupatinath pilgrimage amid Nepal disaster, Aug 27–31
Synopsis
Rajasthan has pulled the plug — temporarily — on one of its most popular senior citizen pilgrimage routes. A natural disaster in Nepal has forced the state to suspend all Kathmandu-bound travel under the Chief Minister's scheme from 27 to 31 August 2026, with no confirmed restart date yet, leaving hundreds of elderly pilgrims in a holding pattern.
Key Takeaways
The Rajasthan government suspended the Pashupatinath Temple pilgrimage on 27 August 2026 due to a natural disaster in Nepal .
Air travel to Kathmandu is halted for five days , from 27 August to 31 August 2026 .
The suspension covers travel under the Chief Minister's Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme , ordered on the directions of CM Bhajanlal Sharma .
Devasthan Minister Joraram Kumawat described the move as precautionary, with the pilgrimage to be rescheduled once Nepal conditions normalise.
The Devasthan Department is continuously monitoring weather, infrastructure, and security in Nepal before any resumption decision.
The Rajasthan government on Thursday, 27 August 2026 announced the temporary suspension of the Pashupatinath Temple pilgrimage under the Chief Minister's Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme, citing a recent natural disaster in Nepal and the deteriorating conditions it has created for travellers. Air travel to Kathmandu has been halted for five days, from 27 August to 31 August 2026.
The Decision and Its Scope
Devasthan Minister Joraram Kumawat said the suspension was ordered on the directions of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, with the safety and well-being of elderly pilgrims cited as the government's primary concern. The halt covers all state-facilitated air travel to Kathmandu under the scheme for the specified period.
Officials noted that the recent tragedy in Nepal has disrupted local conditions and infrastructure, creating circumstances that could pose serious risks for senior citizens undertaking the journey. The minister described the move as a precautionary measure, not a permanent cancellation.
Impact on Senior Citizen Pilgrims
The Chief Minister's Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme provides state-sponsored travel to prominent religious sites for eligible elderly residents of Rajasthan. The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is among the most revered destinations under the scheme, drawing a significant number of participants each cycle.
Kumawat urged pilgrims and their families not to be disheartened by the temporary pause. He assured that the Devasthan Department is continuously monitoring weather conditions, infrastructure status, and security arrangements in Nepal before any decision on resumption is taken.
What the Government Said
The minister reiterated that the suspension reflects the government's commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of participating senior citizens. Necessary arrangements will be made to reschedule the pilgrimage once conditions in Nepal are deemed safe and stable, according to officials.
The government is closely tracking developments on the ground in Nepal and has indicated it will act swiftly to restore services as soon as the situation normalises.
What Happens Next
The five-day suspension window runs through 31 August 2026. A formal review of conditions in Nepal is expected before the government decides whether to extend the halt or announce a rescheduled date for the pilgrimage. Eligible senior citizens will be informed of revised arrangements once a decision is reached.
Point of View
But the absence of a clear contingency timeline is a gap. Senior citizens who have planned and often paid for this journey deserve more than an open-ended 'once conditions normalise' assurance. The broader question is whether the scheme has a robust real-time risk-assessment mechanism for international destinations — or whether decisions like this are reactive rather than anticipatory. Nepal's vulnerability to natural disasters is well-documented; a standing protocol for rapid suspension and rescheduling would serve pilgrims better than ad hoc announcements.
NationPress
28 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Rajasthan suspended the Pashupatinath pilgrimage?
The Rajasthan government suspended the pilgrimage due to a recent natural disaster in Nepal that has disrupted local conditions and infrastructure. Officials said the move is precautionary to protect the safety of senior citizens travelling under the Chief Minister's Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme.
How long is the Pashupatinath pilgrimage suspended?
Air travel to Kathmandu under the scheme has been suspended for five days, from 27 August to 31 August 2026. The government will review conditions in Nepal before deciding on resumption or rescheduling.
Who announced the suspension and under whose directions?
Devasthan Minister Joraram Kumawat announced the suspension, stating it was ordered on the directions of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. The Devasthan Department is monitoring the situation in Nepal.
Will affected senior citizens be able to undertake the pilgrimage later?
Yes, according to the minister, the pilgrimage will be rescheduled once conditions in Nepal are considered safe. The government has assured that necessary arrangements will be made for eligible senior citizens to travel with adequate safety measures.
What is the Chief Minister's Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme?
It is a Rajasthan state government initiative that provides sponsored travel to prominent religious destinations for eligible elderly residents. The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is one of the key destinations covered under the scheme.
