Did Over 26,800 Pilgrims Perform Amarnath Yatra in Just 2 Days?

Srinagar, July 5 (NationPress) A fresh group of 6,979 Yatris departed from Jammu on Saturday towards Kashmir, under stringent security measures, to undertake the pilgrimage to the Amarnath shrine. Officials reported that over 26,800 pilgrims had completed 'Darshan' at the sacred cave shrine within the past two days since the 38-day-long Amarnath Yatra initiated on July 3.

According to officials, another 6,979 pilgrims departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatra Niwas in the morning, organized into two escorted convoys comprising 312 vehicles heading towards the Valley.

Of this group, 2,753 are bound for the Baltal base camp, while 4,226 pilgrims are en route to Nunwan (Pahalgam base camp),

On Friday, Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, officially opened a Yatri Niwas at the Baltal base camp. This complex includes a disaster management centre.

Part of ONGC's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, the Baltal Yatri Niwas has commenced operations, with additional facilities in Bijbehara, Nunwan (Pahalgam), and Sidhra in Jammu approaching completion.

These establishments are equipped with dormitories, sewage treatment systems, and vital amenities. Notably, the Sidhra site, spanning 8,500 square metres, is designed as a sustainable G+5 structure with solar panels, expected to be operational by September 2026.

In total, these projects, covering over 30,955 square metres, aim to enhance safety and comfort for pilgrims.

This year's Amarnath Yatra has seen extensive security measures in place, following a tragic attack on April 22, where 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

To bolster security, an additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed, joining the existing Army, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, and local police.

All transit camps along routes to the two base camps and the path from Bhagwati Nagar Yatra Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by security forces.

Local communities have shown unwavering support for this year's Amarnath Yatra, as they have consistently in previous years. To express their solidarity following the Pahalgam terror incident, locals warmly welcomed the first group of Yatris with garlands and placards as they crossed the Navyug Tunnel into the Valley at Qazigund.

This year's Yatra commenced on July 3 and will conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

Yatris can access the sacred cave shrine located 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.

Travelers taking the Pahalgam route must navigate through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot, typically taking four days.

Conversely, those choosing the shorter Baltal route will trek 14 km to the cave shrine, returning to the base camp on the same day after completing their pilgrimage.

For security considerations, no helicopter services will be available to Yatris this year.

The cave shrine is home to an ice stalagmite structure that fluctuates with the lunar phases, believed by devotees to symbolize the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

The Shri Amarnath ji Yatra stands as one of the most sacred pilgrimages for devotees, as legend claims that Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati within this cave.

Interestingly, two pigeons are said to have accidentally been present in the cave during this divine revelation. Traditionally, a pair of mountain pigeons is seen flying out of the cave shrine when the annual Yatra commences.