Amarnath Yatra resumes after one-day suspension; darshan count reaches 4.70 lakh
Srinagar, Aug 6
The Amarnath Yatra resumed on Thursday after a day's suspension, with the number of Yatris who had 'darshan' at the cave shrine crossing 4.70 lakh since it started on July 3.
Officials said the Shri Amarnath Yatra resumed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu on Thursday after remaining suspended for a day due to security reasons on the 7th anniversary of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.
A fresh group of 1,801 pilgrims, which officials said was the 28th batch, left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu at 2.45 a.m. for the Baltal base camp in Kashmir under tight security vigil.
No convoy was dispatched for Pahalgam base camp as the Yatra continues from the Baltal base camp side, officials said.
The batch comprised 1,347 men, 351 women, 89 sadhus and 14 sadhvis, travelling in 74 vehicles.
Since this year's Yatra started on July 3, more than 4.71 lakh Yatris had darshan inside the holy cave shrine situated 3880 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas. Security remains tight and widespread along the routes.
The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the divine power of Lord Shiva.
The longer and the traditional route from Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp takes pilgrims around four days to reach the cave shrine. Those using the shorter Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district return to the base camp the same day after having darshan inside the holy cave shrine.
Since authorities have declared the routes beyond Baltal and Pahalgam as 'No-fly zones' due to security reasons, no helicopter service has been available to the Yatris this year.
The 57-day annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a major spiritual event for millions. But I wished the helicopter services were available this year. The no-fly zone policy makes it difficult for elderly pilgrims who can't manage the mountain trek. Still, safety first - better to be safe than sorry. Baba will bless everyone who makes the effort.
The fact that 1,801 yatris left at 2:45 AM shows how determined these devotees are. Babaji is calling them! It's amazing how the yatra has continued for over a month with such management. The authorities have done a commendable job with the tight security arrangements. Maybe next year they can work out safe helicopter routes too.
One day suspension is a minor hiccup in such a mega event. Respect to all the security personnel who work 24x7 to keep the yatra safe. The number of sadhus and sadhvis in this batch shows the spiritual significance. Om Namah Shivaya! 🙏
It's nice to see the yatra operate smoothly but I do wish the administration would consider more eco-friendly measures. The region is so fragile and sensitive - both environmentally and politically. But for now, Baba's call is the top priority. Safe travels to all pilgrims!
The yatra resuming quickly shows how resilient our arrangements are. 89 sadhus travelling means the spiritual atmosphere must be super charged! Though I wish there was more coverage on the preparation behind the scenes - the food, shelter, and medical facilities for so many yatris. Salute to the entire team! 🚩