The Amarnath Yatra, a spiritual pilgrimage that attracts thousands of devotees each year, has commenced with great enthusiasm and devotion. The Jammu and Kashmir administration, in coordination with security forces, has taken extensive measures to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
On Saturday, the first group of pilgrims set off from the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal, while a second batch of over 4,400 pilgrims began their journey from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. The pilgrims, traveling in a convoy of 188 vehicles, embarked on their sacred journey towards the Amarnath cave shrine, situated at an elevation of 3,888 meters.
According to officials, the total number of pilgrims departing from the Jammu base camp is 7,904. The pilgrimage began on Friday when Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first convoy from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp. This annual pilgrimage, known as the Amarnath Yatra, spans 62 days and will continue until August 31st.
The Yatra follows two routes: the 48-kilometer Nunwan-Pahalgam route in the Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-kilometer Baltal route in the Ganderbal district. These routes lead to the sacred Amarnath cave shrine, which opens to the public exclusively during the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar.
Ensuring the safety and security of the pilgrims is of utmost importance. A comprehensive security arrangement has been put in place in and around the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, and 33 accommodation centers have been established across Jammu to facilitate the pilgrims’ stay. As an added security measure, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags have been provided to the pilgrims. These tags enable authorities to track and monitor the movement of pilgrims, enhancing their safety throughout the journey.
To streamline the registration process, five registration counters have been set up, and approximately 3.5 lakh individuals have already registered online for the Yatra this year. This online registration system ensures a systematic and organized pilgrimage experience for the devotees.
The Amarnath Yatra holds immense significance for devotees, who undertake this arduous journey as an act of faith and devotion. The challenging terrain and the spiritual atmosphere create an aura of divinity, allowing pilgrims to connect with their spiritual selves.
As the pilgrimage progresses, authorities will continue to monitor and ensure the smooth conduct of the Yatra, providing necessary facilities and assistance to the devotees. The Amarnath Yatra stands as a testament to the enduring faith of thousands of pilgrims who embark on this sacred journey, seeking spiritual enlightenment and blessings.
