The 52-day annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji began this morning from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes in the Kashmir Valley, under stringent security measures. The Yatra, which draws thousands of devotees from across India and beyond, will conclude on August 19, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Shravan Purnima.
The Union Territory Administration has put in place comprehensive security arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of this year’s pilgrimage. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended an event organized by civil society, trade fraternity, and citizens in Srinagar yesterday to welcome the pilgrims.
In his address, Lt Governor Sinha praised the significant contribution of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in facilitating the successful conduct of the annual yatra. He expressed that the local community feels privileged to be part of this holy pilgrimage and strives to make the journey safe and spiritually fulfilling for the devotees. He emphasized that the spiritual journey to the holy cave is a symbol of faith and unity, and for centuries, it has been the collective responsibility of civil society to ensure every step of the journey is blissful.
During interactions with various stakeholders, Lt Governor Sinha highlighted the crucial role of civil society groups, trade bodies, and local citizens in ensuring a hassle-free pilgrimage. He urged these groups to come forward and warmly welcome the devotees of Shri Amarnath Ji arriving from all parts of the country and abroad.
Meanwhile, the first batch of Yatris, who arrived at the base camps in Nunwan and Baltal yesterday, began their journey towards the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji in the early hours today. The commencement of the pilgrimage marks a significant moment for the devotees embarking on this sacred journey through the picturesque yet challenging terrain of the south Kashmir Himalayas.
