Ramesh: The Backbone of the Pilgrimage

The story of Ramesh, a seasoned Pithu from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and his life of survival, resilience, and hope.

"In the shadow of faith, even the smallest hands can bear the heaviest burdens. The strength of the Pithu lies not in his back, but in his heart filled with devotion and resilience." By Rahat Ali

A Humble Beginning

Ramesh was born in a small village in Jammu, nestled amid the mountains. His family was poor, relying on small-scale farming that barely sustained them. When he was just 14, his father passed away, leaving him, his younger siblings, and his ailing mother to fend for themselves.

At a young age, Ramesh decided to take up work as a Pithu at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. He had seen others from his village take this path and return with enough to sustain their families. It wasn’t a glamorous job, but it promised survival.

A Life of Hardship

Every morning, Ramesh walked to the base camp, looking for pilgrims who needed assistance. The first few years were the hardest.

He didn’t have proper equipment and carried people on a wooden chair strapped to his back.

Winters were particularly cruel, with icy winds slicing through his thin clothes as he trudged up steep, slippery paths.

Monsoons were no better, with landslides and muddy trails increasing the risk of accidents.

Despite these challenges, Ramesh persevered. “I thought of my family,” he often said. “Each step I took was for them.”

The Fire Incident at Katra

In 2022, tragedy struck at the Vaishno Devi base camp when a massive fire broke out in the early hours of the morning. Ramesh had just completed his shift and was resting nearby.

He woke up to screams and saw flames consuming tents and structures. Without hesitation, he rushed to help.

He carried an elderly couple on his back to safety, ignoring the burns on his arms from falling debris.

He went back to rescue a young child who had been separated from her family.

The aftermath of the fire was devastating. Many Pithus lost their belongings, and some lost their lives. Ramesh himself was injured but grateful to have survived. The incident left him shaken but determined to continue his work.

The Kedarnath Floods

In 2013, Ramesh decided to travel to Kedarnath during the off-season at Vaishno Devi to earn extra income. That year, disaster struck in the form of catastrophic floods.

Ramesh was near the Kedarnath temple when the floods hit. The ground shook, and he saw entire buildings washed away by the raging waters. He clung to a rock for hours, praying for his life.

When the waters receded, Ramesh joined rescue efforts.

He carried injured pilgrims to safer areas, sometimes walking for hours without food or water.

He helped recover bodies, a harrowing task that haunted him for years.

Returning to Katra after the floods, Ramesh found solace in the routine of his work but carried with him the trauma of what he had witnessed.

Faith as a Guiding Light

Through all these hardships, Ramesh’s faith never wavered. He saw his work as a form of devotion. “Carrying pilgrims is like carrying the blessings of the gods,” he often said.

He found joy in the gratitude of the people he helped. Many pilgrims remembered him and offered him extra money or gifts, which he sent back to his family. Some even stayed in touch, sending letters and photos, reminding him of the bonds he had formed through his work.

Challenges of Modernization

In recent years, Ramesh has faced new challenges.

Helicopter services and ropeways have reduced the need for Pithus.

Younger Pithus with more energy and better equipment have taken over much of the work.

Still, Ramesh continues, adapting to the changes. He now trains new Pithus, sharing his wisdom and experiences with them.

A Glimmer of Hope

Ramesh’s children, now grown, are his pride and joy. With the money he earned, he ensured they received an education. His eldest son works in a government office, and his daughter is studying to become a nurse.

They often urge him to retire, but Ramesh says, “This work is my life. It’s not just about earning; it’s about serving.”

Legacy of Resilience

Ramesh’s story is one of survival, resilience, and unwavering faith. Despite the physical and emotional toll of his work, he has lived a life of purpose. For the pilgrims who meet him, he is a guardian angel; for his family, a pillar of strength.

Ramesh’s life is a testament to the sacrifices and dedication of Pithus, the unsung heroes of India’s pilgrim routes.

A Message to All:

In the sacred journey of life, there are unsung heroes who quietly bear the weight of others’ aspirations, hopes, and prayers. The Pithus of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Kedarnath are living examples of unwavering faith, resilience, and service.

Let us take a moment to recognize their sacrifices, honor their struggles, and support their efforts. Behind every step they take lies a story of survival, courage, and devotion. They remind us that humanity shines brightest in the simplest acts of kindness and service.

May we walk forward with gratitude in our hearts, valuing those who make our spiritual and physical journeys possible. Together, we can create a world where their contributions are respected and their lives uplifted.

Let’s celebrate their spirit and support their dreams.

Published By The Uncommon Stories Of India