Amarnath Yatra Sees Increased Participation Amid Enhanced Security Measures
Amarnath Yatra Progresses Smoothly
Srinagar, July 8: The annual Amarnath Yatra has been progressing without any disturbances over the past five days, with a growing number of pilgrims joining the sacred journey each day. On Tuesday, an additional group of 7,541 devotees set off for Kashmir.
Since the pilgrimage commenced on July 3, more than 90,000 individuals have participated.
Officials reported that another group of 7,541 Yatris departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two secured convoys on Tuesday.
The first convoy, consisting of 148 vehicles and carrying 3,321 Yatris, left at 2:55 a.m. for the Baltal base camp, while the second convoy, with 161 vehicles and 4,220 Yatris, departed at 4:03 a.m. for the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.
In addition to those leaving from Bhagwati Nagar, many pilgrims are arriving directly at the transit camps and the two base camps for on-the-spot registration to join the Yatra, as stated by officials from the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which oversees the pilgrimage.
This year, authorities have implemented extensive security measures for the Amarnath Yatra, especially following the tragic attack on April 22, where terrorists backed by Pakistan killed 26 civilians after identifying them by their faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.
To bolster security, an extra 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed alongside the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police. All transit camps along the route to the base camps and the entire path from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas to the cave shrine are under tight security.
Local residents have shown unwavering support for this year's Amarnath Yatra, as they have in previous years. To express their solidarity following the Pahalgam attack, locals warmly welcomed the first group of Yatris with garlands and signs as they entered the Valley through the Navyug Tunnel at Qazigund.
The Yatra commenced on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with the festivals of Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Pilgrims can reach the holy cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas, via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.
Those taking the Pahalgam route will trek 46 km on foot, passing through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, which typically takes four days to reach the cave shrine. In contrast, those opting for the Baltal route will cover 14 km to the shrine and return to the base camp on the same day after completing the Yatra.
The cave shrine features an ice stalagmite that changes in size with the lunar phases, and devotees believe it represents the divine powers of Lord Shiva.
The Shri Amarnath ji Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus, as legend has it that Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati within this cave. Traditionally, a pair of mountain pigeons is said to fly out of the cave shrine at the start of the annual Yatra.