Have Over Three Lakh Pilgrims Completed the Amarnath Yatra in Just 18 Days?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In just 18 days, the Amarnath Yatra has seen over three lakh pilgrims participate. With 20 days left until the Yatra concludes on August 9, the numbers are set to exceed expectations. Discover the preparations, security measures, and the spiritual significance of this revered pilgrimage in the Himalayas.
Key Takeaways
- Over three lakh Yatris have performed the Amarnath Yatra in 18 days.
- Security measures are heightened this year to ensure a safe pilgrimage.
- The Yatra concludes on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
- Yatris can choose between Pahalgam or Baltal routes to reach the cave shrine.
- No helicopter services are available this year.
Srinagar, July 21 (NationPress) More than three lakh Yatris have undertaken the ongoing Amarnath Yatra within the past 18 days since its commencement on July 3. With still 20 days remaining until the Yatra's conclusion on August 9, the total number of pilgrims is anticipated to exceed the official projection of 3.50 lakh for this year.
As of Sunday, officials reported that 3.07 lakh devotees had received ‘darshan’ inside the sacred cave shrine.
“Today, another group of 3,791 Yatris departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas for the Valley in two escorted convoys. The first convoy, consisting of 52 vehicles carrying 1,208 Yatris to the Baltal base camp, set off at 3:33 a.m., while the second convoy, with 96 vehicles transporting 2,583 Yatris to the Pahalgam base camp, left at 4:06 a.m.,” officials noted.
J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who chairs the Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board (SASB), visited the Baltal base camp on Sunday.
During his visit, the L-G convened a meeting with officials to evaluate the arrangements made for the seamless execution of the Yatra.
He also shared a meal with the Yatris at one of the ‘Langars’ (Community Kitchens) at Baltal and engaged with the pilgrims.
The L-G expressed satisfaction regarding both the security measures and other arrangements established for the Yatra.
This year, the Bhumi Pujan of ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Holy) was conducted at Pahalgam on July 10. The Chhari Mubarak was escorted to Pahalgam by a group of seers led by the custodian Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, from its base at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar.
In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was brought to the Gauri Shankar temple for the Bhumi Pujan, before returning to its original location at the Dashnami Akhara building. It is set to commence its final journey towards the cave shrine from the Dashnami Akhara temple in Srinagar on August 4, arriving at the holy cave shrine on August 9, marking the official end of the Yatra.
Authorities have implemented extensive multi-tier security measures for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, following the tragic attack on April 22, where Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them based on faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.
To bolster security, an additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been deployed to support the existing forces including the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police.
The Army has stationed over 8,000 specially trained commandos to ensure the safe passage of the Yatris.
This year, the Yatra commenced on July 3 and will conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Yatris can reach the sacred cave shrine located at 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.
Those opting for the Pahalgam route will traverse through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, covering a distance of 46 km on foot, which typically takes four days. Conversely, those on the shorter Baltal route will trek 14 km to the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after their darshan.
No helicopter services are available for Yatris this year due to security considerations.
The cave shrine features an ice stalagmite structure that changes with the lunar phases, believed by devotees to symbolize the divine powers of Lord Shiva.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the collective effort made by authorities to ensure a safe pilgrimage experience. This Yatra serves as a reminder of the nation's commitment to preserving its cultural and religious heritage.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Amarnath Yatra?
The Amarnath Yatra is a pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine in the Himalayas, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It attracts thousands of devotees each year.
When does the Amarnath Yatra take place?
The Amarnath Yatra usually occurs during the month of Shravan, starting in early July and concluding in August.
What are the routes to reach the Amarnath cave shrine?
Pilgrims can reach the shrine via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.
Are helicopter services available for Yatris?
No, helicopter services for Yatris are not available this year due to security concerns.
What security measures are in place for the Yatra?
Extensive multi-tier security arrangements, including deployment of additional forces and specially trained commandos, are in place for the Amarnath Yatra.
