DH NEWS SERVICE
Jammu, JUL 8
The annual Amarnath Yatra witnessed its biggest single-day movement of pilgrims this year as a fresh batch of 9,837 devotees departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu on Wednesday for the holy cave shrine in Kashmir amid elaborate security arrangements.
Officials said the convoy, which was escorted under a multi-layered security cover, left the base camp in the early hours of the morning after all necessary security checks and logistical arrangements were completed. The movement of pilgrims was carried out in a well-coordinated manner to ensure a safe and smooth journey to the twin base camps in Kashmir.
According to official figures, the latest batch included 7,004 men, 2,810 women, 21 children and two transgender pilgrims, making it the largest contingent to leave Jammu since the pilgrimage began on July 2. Authorities described the steady increase in the number of pilgrims as a reflection of the strong faith and enthusiasm among devotees participating in this year’s pilgrimage. Out of the total pilgrims, 4,480 proceeded towards the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district through a convoy of 173 vehicles. The Baltal route is considered the shorter but steeper path to the holy cave shrine and is preferred by many pilgrims seeking a quicker journey. Meanwhile, 5,354 pilgrims travelled towards the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district in a convoy of 188 vehicles. The Pahalgam route, though longer, is regarded as the traditional path to the shrine and attracts a large number of devotees every year because of its religious significance and scenic surroundings.
As the convoys rolled out from Bhagwati Nagar, the atmosphere echoed with devotional chants of “Bam Bam Bhole”, “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Barfani Baba Ki”. Pilgrims expressed enthusiasm and devotion as they embarked on the sacred journey to seek blessings at one of Hinduism’s most revered shrines. Officials said all security and administrative agencies remain on high alert throughout the pilgrimage. Comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the onward routes leading to the cave shrine. Medical facilities, emergency response teams, traffic management personnel and disaster response units have also been deployed to ensure the safety and convenience of the pilgrims.
With the departure of the latest convoy, a total of 44,666 pilgrims have left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp for Kashmir since the commencement of the yatra. The administration continues to regulate the daily movement of pilgrims through escorted convoys while monitoring weather conditions and road safety to ensure uninterrupted travel.
Officials further informed that more than 1.15 lakh pilgrims have already offered prayers at the naturally formed ice lingam of Lord Shiva located inside the cave shrine at an altitude of 3,880 metres above sea level. The steady inflow of devotees has continued despite the challenging terrain and changing weather conditions in the Himalayan region.
The annual Amarnath Yatra, one of the country’s most significant religious pilgrimages, is scheduled to continue for 57 days. This year’s pilgrimage will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Authorities have appealed to pilgrims to follow all safety advisories, cooperate with security personnel and adhere to the guidelines issued for a safe and successful pilgrimage.
