1. Over 4,600 pilgrims commenced the annual Amarnath Yatra journey from Kashmir Valley’s base camp.
2. A convoy of 231 vehicles was flagged off from Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha.
3. The pilgrimage marks a significant religious event with stringent security and community support arrangements.
Jammu, June 29: The annual Amarnath Yatra began on Saturday with more than 4,600 pilgrims embarking on the journey to the holy cave from the base camp in the Kashmir valley.
Led by 231 vehicles, the yatra convoy was ceremonially started from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Thursday by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Amid chants of “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev,” Sinha wished the pilgrims a safe and successful journey. Upon reaching the valley on Friday evening, the pilgrims were warmly received with garlands and cheers in districts like Kulgam, Anantnag, Srinagar, and Bandipora.
Local Muslims joined officials from the police, civil society members, trade representatives, fruit growers, and market associations in welcoming the yatris, emphasizing communal harmony and support for the pilgrimage.
“We welcome all of them. There are proper arrangements in place for them,” said Kulgam Deputy Commissioner (DC) Athar Aamir Khan.
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The pilgrims entered the valley through the Navyug tunnel in the Qazigund area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. From there, the 52-day pilgrimage will proceed on two tracks:
the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal, both leading to the holy cave shrine situated at an altitude of 3,880 meters.
Stringent security measures are in place to ensure the safety of the over 3.5 lakh registered pilgrims this year, with a three-tier security plan encompassing area dominance, extensive route deployment, and checkpoints.
Traffic restrictions will be enforced on various routes from now until August 19, with daily advisories issued to minimize inconvenience.
To cater to the pilgrims, more than 125 community kitchens (langars) have been established along the pilgrimage routes, operated by over 6,000 volunteers who will provide food and refreshments throughout the journey.
The Amarnath Yatra holds significant cultural and religious importance, drawing devotees from diverse backgrounds.
According to Hindu mythology, the Amarnath cave is where Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of life and eternity to Goddess Parvati, with the naturally formed ice lingam inside the cave regarded as a symbol of Shiva himself.
