Key Points

According to Mahant Deependra Giri, the Dashami Akhara took out the 'Chhari Mubarak' from Srinagar and halted at the Chhari Vishram Sthal in Pahalgam.

Bhoomi Pujan, Navgrah Pujan and flag hoisting, following which a havan and meal for the devotees will be organised. The event will conclude after the devotees return to the 'Chhari Vishram Sthal' in Srinagar.

"Today is Ashad Purnima, also known as Guru Purnima. In the morning, the Dashnami Akhara took out the Chhari Mubarak from Srinagar and halted at the Chhari Vishram Sthal in Pahalgam. Here we performed the Bhoomi Pujan, Navgrah Pujan and flag hoisting. Now we will perform a havan followed by a meal for all the devotees. We will return to the Chhari Vishram Sthal in Srinagar and conclude today's event", Mahant Deependra Giri told ANI.

Meanwhile, in view of the 'Chhari Mubarak' puja in Pahalgam, the security was heightened. According to SSP Ravinder Pal Singh, security forces have been deployed throughout the entire district to ensure a "hassle-free" movement in the region. The police official informed that, to facilitate the return of the devotees, a green corridor has been established to ensure smooth movement.

"Today is the bhoomi pujan here. Chhari Mubarak has reached Pahalgam. We have deployed our forces to ensure hassle-free movement, so that there is no congestion or jam. For the return, we have also prepared our plan to keep the traffic moving normally, to ensure a jam-free and uncongested area. We are providing them a green corridor so that their movement is completely smooth," he said.

The 38-day annual Amarnath pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine in south Kashmir began on July 3 and will conclude on August 9.

The eighth batch of devotees departed from Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam for their pilgrimage to the Holy cave of Amarnath on Thursday morning.

- ANI