The annual Amarnath Yatra continues to draw massive crowds, with over 4.85 lakh pilgrims having completed the pilgrimage in the past 35 days. On Saturday morning, a new group of 991 Yatris departed for the Valley, underscoring the continued popularity and significance of this revered pilgrimage.
This year’s pilgrimage has already surpassed last year’s attendance of 4.45 lakh devotees, reflecting a robust turnout for the Amarnath cave shrine. The shrine, at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas, is known for its ice stalagmite structure, which devotees believe symbolizes the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.
The journey to the shrine involves navigating challenging terrain, with pilgrims choosing between two primary routes: the traditional south Kashmir Pahalgam route, which spans 48 km and typically takes four to five days, and the shorter 14 km Baltal route in north Kashmir, which allows for a one-day pilgrimage. For those seeking a quicker route, helicopter services are available at Baltal and Chandanwari.
Security remains a top priority for the authorities, with extensive measures in place to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. A large contingent of police and Central Armed Police Forces is deployed along the 350-km route from Jammu to the base camps, as well as at transit points and the shrine itself.
Local communities are also playing a crucial role, providing essential services such as ponies and porters to assist pilgrims, particularly the elderly and infirm, with their journey. These efforts contribute significantly to the smooth and safe conduct of the Yatra.
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has been overseeing the Yatra with notable efficiency, ensuring that the pilgrimage is conducted without major issues.
The Yatra is set to conclude on August 29, aligning with the festivals of Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, marking the end of this year’s pilgrimage season.
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