Amarnath Yatra progressing smoothly, 4,943 pilgrims leave Jammu for Kashmir

Srinagar, Jul 11: The annual pilgrimage was progressing smoothly to the holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, where over 11,800 yatris have paid obeisance since the commencement of the 60-day-long yatra from June 28 from shortest Batal and traditional Pahalgam tracks.

Meanwhile, 4,943 pilgrims, including women and sadhus, left Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu base camp in 160 vehicles early this morning for Baltal and Nunwan Phalgam base camps in the Kashmir valley under unprecedented security measures.

Pilgrims, who had night halt at nearby halting station are reaching holy cave since this morning to pay obeisance, official sources said, adding that more yatris are also on way. With this, a total of over 1,18,000 pilgrims from different parts of the country, had 'darshan' of the self-made ice-Shivlingam in the cave shrine situated at about 14,000 feet. Majority pilgrims had since returned to their homes while others are visiting tourist destinations in the valley before leaving for home.

“Bam Bam Bholay” and “Har Har Mahadev” rented in air when a fresh batch of about 6,800 pilgrims left Baltal base camp for the holy cave shrine early this morning. The pilgrims, including women and sadhus, are scheduled to reach the cave shrine after covering the 14-km-long hilly track on foot while elderly yatris are using horses and dandies.

Similarly, a fresh batch of pilgrims also left Nunwan Pahalgam base camp for Chandanwari, the first halting station on traditional track, which could be reached by vehicles also. Meanwhile, pilgrims who had night halt at Chandanwari and other halting station on the route have also started their journey on foot towards the cave shrine early this morning.