Srinagar, July 11: A new batch of 6,482 pilgrims on Friday set out from Jammu to the Kashmir Valley to undertake the Amarnath Yatra 2025, bringing the total number of pilgrims who have performed the yatra in the past eight days to over 1.45 lakh.
As per reports, another batch of 6,482 Yatris departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas today in two escorted convoys. The first convoy, consisting of 107 vehicles and carrying 2,353 Yatris, left at 3:20 a.m. for the Baltal base camp. The second convoy, with 161 vehicles and 4,129 Yatris, departed at 4:04 a.m. for the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.
The Bhumi Pujan for the 'Chhari Mubarak' (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) was held in Pahalgam on Thursday.
The Chhari Mubarak was brought to Pahalgam by a group of Sadhus, led by Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, the sole custodian of the mace, from its location at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar.
In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar temple for the Bhumi Pujan. After that, it was taken to the Martand Sun temple, where a Puja was performed, and the Chhari Mubarak was dipped in the holy spring there.
The Chhari Mubarak will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, marking the official end of the Yatra.
In addition to the Yatris arriving at Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, many are directly going to Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) for on-the-spot registration to join the Yatra.
This year, authorities have set up strong multi-layered security arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra, especially after the tragic attack on April 22, where Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadow, separating them based on their faith.
To strengthen security, 180 additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed, adding to the presence of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police. All transit camps along the route to the two base camps, as well as the entire path from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine, are under tight security.
Notably, this year, the Yatra began on July 3 and will last for 38 days, ending on August 9. The end date matches the festivals of Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
