LHASA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- A group of pilgrims from India arrived in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Friday, marking the resumption of pilgrimages to Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso in the region after a five-year hiatus.

A total of 39 Indian pilgrims formed the first officially organized pilgrimage group this year. They entered China via the Nathu La Pass at about noon on Friday. They will visit the sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites of Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso in Xizang's Ngari Prefecture during their 12-day journey.

For 68-year-old Damina Bendya, who is making her first visit to China, the mountain is a sacred place. "China and India are neighbors. China is wonderful, and all the staff here have been very warm and helpful," she said.

Indian pilgrimages to the two sites in Xizang were suspended in 2020. On April 28 this year, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun announced their resumption this summer under a bilateral agreement.

Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso are the "sacred mountain and lake" for believers of several religions, including Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism, Guo said, adding that these pilgrimages are an important part of cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and India.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and India, Guo said that China stands ready to work with India to earnestly implement the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, and to advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development.

A second group of Indian pilgrims is scheduled to enter China via the Nathu La Pass on June 25, according to the regional foreign affairs office. ■