DH NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Jul 27
The annual Amarnath Yatra continued with great religious fervour on Monday as the 12th batch of pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the holy cave shrine nestled in the south Kashmir Himalayas. Amid elaborate security arrangements and chants of devotion, a total of 3,823 pilgrims began their spiritual journey to seek blessings at the sacred Amarnath cave, which houses the naturally formed ice lingam of Lord Shiva.
According to officials, the latest batch comprised 2,966 men, 855 women and two children. The pilgrims travelled in a convoy of 140 vehicles under tight security provided by the administration and security forces. The departure took place in the early hours of the morning after all necessary security checks and logistical arrangements were completed.
Devotional slogans of “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” echoed throughout the Bhagwati Nagar base camp as pilgrims enthusiastically boarded the vehicles. Many devotees expressed joy and gratitude at getting the opportunity to undertake one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimages. The atmosphere at the base camp was filled with spiritual energy as pilgrims prayed for a safe and successful journey to the holy shrine.
Officials said that with the departure of the latest convoy, a total of 1,27,326 pilgrims have now left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp since the annual pilgrimage commenced earlier this month. The Jammu base camp continues to serve as the primary transit point for thousands of devotees arriving from different parts of the country before proceeding towards the shrine.
The pilgrims who departed on Monday were routed through the Baltal axis. No convoy was allowed to travel via the traditional Pahalgam route as the pilgrimage remained temporarily suspended on that stretch due to ongoing repair and maintenance work on the trekking track. Authorities have been carrying out restoration work to ensure the safety of pilgrims before reopening the route.
Officials stated that the decision to suspend movement on the Pahalgam route was taken purely as a precautionary measure. The administration is continuously monitoring the condition of the track, particularly after recent weather-related damage in certain areas. Necessary repair work is being carried out on priority to restore the route for yatris as soon as it is declared safe for travel.
The Baltal route, though shorter than the Pahalgam route, is considered steeper and more challenging. However, it remains a preferred option for many pilgrims because it allows them to complete the pilgrimage within a shorter period. Adequate arrangements have been made along the route, including security deployment, medical facilities, food services, accommodation and emergency response teams to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees.
Security has been significantly strengthened along the entire pilgrimage route. Personnel from various security agencies have been deployed at key locations, while surveillance and monitoring have been intensified to ensure a peaceful and incident-free pilgrimage. Officials are also coordinating with civil administration departments to provide uninterrupted essential services to the pilgrims.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, along with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, has made extensive arrangements for the smooth conduct of the yatra. Medical camps, emergency healthcare facilities, sanitation services, drinking water supply, traffic management and disaster response teams have been positioned at strategic points to assist pilgrims throughout their journey.
Since the commencement of the annual pilgrimage on July 2, more than 4.15 lakh devotees have already paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine. The large turnout reflects the enduring faith and devotion associated with the sacred pilgrimage, which attracts pilgrims from across India and abroad every year despite the challenging terrain and weather conditions.
The Amarnath Yatra, one of the most significant religious pilgrimages in the country, is scheduled to conclude on August 28 after a 57-day duration. With thousands of devotees continuing to arrive daily, the administration remains focused on ensuring the safe, secure and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage while facilitating a spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims visiting the revered cave shrine.
