SAHIL BHAT
JAMMU, JULY 3: Amidst the heightened security cover, the second batch of more than 5,200 pilgrims departed from Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu in the wee hours on Thursday for the holy pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji.
Brimmed with enthusiasm and religious gaiety, the devotees chanted the “Bam Bam Bhole” while setting off for Shri Amarnath ji Yatra.
Notably, the 38-day-long holy pilgrimage has begun from traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district, and the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district today.
Former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina was leading the first batch from Nunwan-Pahalgam route and urged people to show extensive participation in the holy pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine.
In the course of the yatra, the pilgrims lauded the arrangements ensured by the administration and said no fear of terrorism prevails among them. Swept with zest, the devotees reverberated the Mantras of Lord Shiva while tracking on the holy path.
It is learnt that the first batch of 5,892 yatris was flagged off Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu by LG Manoj Sinha yesterday taking the total of number pilgrims to 11,092. Also, the second batch of yatris includes 4,074 men, 786 women, and 19 children.
Although there were some minor issues pertaining to registration, were settled at the earliest to make the pilgrimage convenient and hassle-free.
Pertinent to mention, the Amarnath Yatra will culminate on August 9, 2025 and over 3.31 lakh devotees have registered as of now for religious journey.
