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Amarnath Yatra Registration Begins with Heavy Rush of Devotees

Registration for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage has commenced, drawing large crowds to both online and offline counters. The 57-day journey to the cave shrine, located at 3,888 meters, will begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28, Raksha Bandhan. Pilgrims can choose between the traditional four-day Pahalgam route or the shorter, same-day Baltal route, with helicopter services available on both. The registration process is being facilitated through 556 bank branches across India, with local Muslim communities playing a key supportive role in the Yatra.

Key Points: Amarnath Yatra 2023 Registration Opens for 57-Day Pilgrimage

  • Registration open online & offline
  • 57-day Yatra from July 3 to Aug 28
  • Twin routes: Pahalgam & Baltal
  • 556 bank branches facilitating process
  • Helicopter services available
2 min read

J&K: Registration for Amarnath Yatra begins amid heavy rush​

Registration for the 2023 Amarnath Yatra has begun. The 57-day pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine starts July 3. Learn about routes and registration details.

"Many devotees said they wanted to be among the first to have 'Darshan' inside the holy cave shrine. - Pilgrims"

Jammu, April 15

Registration for this year's Amarnath Yatra started on Wednesday as pilgrims rushed to various registration counters in large numbers.​

Devotees thronged registration counters as both online and offline registration began. The advance registration is open in both modes.​

The 57-day pilgrimage will commence from the twin tracks, the traditional 42-km-long Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km shorter, but tougher Baltal route in Ganderbal district.​

Devotees using the Pahalgam route take four days to reach the cave shrine, while those using the Baltal route return to the base camp after having 'Darshan' the same day.​

Helicopter services are available for pilgrims on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.​

This year's Yatra will start on July 3 and will conclude on Raksha Bandhan, August 28.​

Officials of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, which manages the affairs of the Yatra, said there is a heavy rush as pilgrims are coming to register.

Registration is now open in both online and offline modes.​

Across the country, 556 bank branches are involved in the registration process, of which 310 are Punjab National Bank branches. In Jammu, six counters have been set up.​

The offline branches in Jammu, including those of J&K Bank and Punjab National Bank, witnessed long queues since 8 am as devotees lined up an hour before the start of the registration process.​

Many devotees said they wanted to be among the first to have 'Darshan' inside the holy cave shrine.​

The Amarnath cave shrine, situated at 3,888 metres above sea level, houses an ice stalagmite structure that symbolises the divine powers of Lord Shiva, according to devotees' belief.​

The ice stalagmite structure wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Local Muslims in large numbers facilitate the Yatra, working as pony wallahs, porters, or even carrying the old and infirm devotees on their backs.​

Offline registration can be done at 556 bank branches across the country, including 310 branches of Punjab National Bank, 90 branches of J&K Bank, 37 branches of Yes Bank, and 99 branches of State Bank of India, among others.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My parents are registering today. It's heartwarming to read about the local Muslim community's involvement - pony wallahs, porters... this is the real spirit of Kashmiriyat. May everyone have a safe and blessed yatra.
A
Aman W
The heavy rush is expected. It's good they have both online and offline options, but the government should ensure the online portal doesn't crash like it sometimes does. Last year my uncle faced a lot of trouble.
S
Sarah B
Visiting from the US and hoping to experience this. The logistics sound complex but well-organized. The fact it concludes on Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful detail. Looking forward to the journey.
V
Vikram M
Took the Pahalgam route last year. It's a tough trek but the experience is divine. Pro tip: start physical preparation now if you're not used to high altitude! Kudos to the Shrine Board for managing this massive event.
N
Nikhil C
The article mentions 556 bank branches. That's impressive reach. Makes it accessible for people in small towns too. This yatra is not just a pilgrimage, it's a symbol of our national fabric. Om Namah Shivaya.

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