Amarnath yatra draws over 1.82 lakh pilgrims in nine days

Jammu, July 8: More than 1,82,000 pilgrims have visited the holy cave shrine of Amarnath over the past nine days, with another batch of 5,803 yatris departing for Kashmir on Monday.

According to officials from the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys. The first convoy, carrying 1,862 yatris in 88 vehicles, departed at 3:10 a.m. for the Baltal base camp in North Kashmir. The second convoy, transporting 3,941 yatris in 130 vehicles, left at 4:00 a.m. for the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp in South Kashmir.

The Meteorological Department has forecast partially cloudy weather along both Yatra routes, with intermittent light rain and thundershowers expected during the day.

Pilgrims can choose between the traditional 48 km Pahalgam route, which takes four days round-trip to the cave shrine, or the shorter 14 km Baltal route, where yatris return to the base camp the same day after darshan.

The cave shrine, situated at an elevation of 3,888 meters above sea level, houses an ice stalagmite structure believed to symbolize the mythical powers of Lord Shiva, which waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.

This year, extensive security arrangements have been implemented along the 300 km Jammu-Srinagar highway, at both Yatra routes, the base camps, and the cave shrine, ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience.

Over 124 langars (community kitchens) have been established along the routes, at transit camps, and near the cave shrine, supported by more than 7,000 sevadars (volunteers) assisting the yatris.

Additionally, helicopter services are available for yatris on both routes, facilitating access to the shrine.