Attention has been drawn to the prohibition of walking on the frozen lakes in the higher Himalayan region, including Gosaikunda.
With more people walking on the frozen sacred lakes, including Gosaikunda, during the time when the water freezes, the Gosaikunda Village Municipality’s head, Kaysang Nurbu Tamang, mentioned that public attention is being drawn to prevent such actions. This is to protect the Ramsar-listed Gosainkunda and other lakes in the area and prevent possible accidents.
As the sacred site of Gosaikunda sees an increase in people walking on the frozen lakes, especially during the months of Mangsir, Poush, and Magh, a restriction has been imposed by the municipality at the request of local hotel owners.
The municipality explained that this step was necessary to protect the sacred religious site and prevent possible accidents. Many pilgrims, who travel to Gosaikunda by foot or helicopter, began walking and taking photos on the frozen water, leading to concerns from locals about preserving religious beliefs and preventing accidents.
Pandits and priests have pointed out that it is considered inappropriate from a religious perspective to walk on the lake, where Lord Shiva, the supreme deity, is believed to reside. They suggest that if anyone has unknowingly walked on the lake, they must visit a nearby water source, establish a symbol of Mahadev, and perform a ritual of repentance.
Locals also highlight the dangers of the ice breaking and the risk of falling into the water, as well as the belief that walking on the sacred lake where Lord Shiva resides may bring sin, as explained by the local priest Tankaprasad Dhakal.
Situated at an altitude of 14,100 feet above sea level, Gosaikunda is a sacred pilgrimage site visited by devotees year-round for bathing and worship.
