4.85 lakh join Amarnath Yatra in just 35 days

Jammu, Aug 3: As over 4.85 lakh pilgrims have already participated in the annual Amarnath Yatra in the past 35 days, a smaller group of 991 Yatris embarked on their journey to the Valley on Saturday, officials reported.

This year's pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine has already surpassed last year’s total of 4.45 lakh devotees. The significant increase in participants indicates a peak in the number of pilgrims this year.

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A vast deployment of security forces, including police and Central Armed Police Forces, has been assigned to ensure the safe passage of pilgrims along the 350-km route from Jammu to the two base camps. These forces are also stationed at various transit camps, base camps, and the cave shrine itself, providing round-the-clock security for the Yatris.

Local residents have played a crucial role in assisting the pilgrims on their arduous journey. They provide ponies and serve as porters, often carrying the elderly and infirm on their backs to and from the cave shrine.

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has efficiently managed the Yatra's logistics. Their efforts have resulted in a safe, smooth, and hassle-free pilgrimage through some of the most challenging terrains in the Himalayas.

Also Read: Amarnath Yatra: Over 4.4 lakh devotees participate in 28 days

On Saturday morning, officials confirmed that another batch of 991 pilgrims departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, with 176 heading to the north Kashmir Baltal base camp and 815 to the south Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.

The cave shrine, situated at an altitude of 3,888 metres in the Kashmir Himalayas, houses an ice stalagmite structure that waxes and wanes with the moon's phases. Devotees believe this structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims can approach the cave shrine via the traditional south Kashmir Pahalgam route or the north Kashmir Baltal route.

The Pahalgam route is 48 km long, taking four to five days to reach the shrine, while the Baltal route is 14 km long, allowing pilgrims to complete the journey and return to the base camp within a day. Additionally, helicopter services are available from Baltal on the north Kashmir route and Chandanwari on the south Kashmir route.

Also Read: Amarnath Yatra: Another batch of 2,907 pilgrims leaves for Valley

This year's Yatra will conclude on August 29, after 52 days, coinciding with the festivals of Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.