Since the Amarnath Yatra commenced on 29 June, over 1.25 lakh pilgrims have successfully performed ‘darshan’ inside the sacred cave, officials from the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) reported.
On Friday, an additional batch of 6,919 Yatris embarked on their journey to the revered site in Kashmir.
“Another batch of 6,919 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatra Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley today,” stated a SASB official.
The official added, “Of these, 2,542 pilgrims departed in an escorted convoy of 109 vehicles at 4 AM for the North Kashmir Baltal base camp, while another convoy of 150 vehicles carrying 4,377 Yatris left at 4:30 AM for the South Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.”
MeT Department Forecasts Cloudy Weather With Possible Light Rain Along Amarnath Yatra Routes
The Meteorological (MeT) department has forecast generally cloudy weather along both Yatra routes, with the possibility of light rain or thunder during the day.
Pilgrims have the option of taking either the traditional 48 km Pahalgam route or the shorter 14 km Baltal route to reach the cave shrine.
Those choosing the Pahalgam route typically take four days to complete their journey, whereas pilgrims opting for the Baltal route can return to the base camp on the same day after their ‘darshan’.
The sacred cave, located at an altitude of 3,888 meters above sea level, houses an ice stalagmite structure believed by devotees to symbolize the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.
This structure is known to wax and wane with the phases of the moon.
This year, authorities implemented extensive security arrangements along the nearly 300 km long Jammu-Srinagar highway, the two Yatra routes, the base camps, and the cave shrine to ensure a smooth and incident-free pilgrimage.
Additionally, organizers have established over 124 ‘langars’ (community kitchens) along the routes, transit camps, and the cave shrine to cater to the needs of the pilgrims.
More than 7,000 ‘Sevadars’ (Volunteers) are actively serving the Yatris during this year’s pilgrimage, providing essential services and support.
Helicopter services are also available on both routes to facilitate the journey for the pilgrims.
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