Amarnath Yatra Registration Opens: Pilgrims Rush to Sign Up
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Jammu, April 15 (NationPress) The registration for this year's Amarnath Yatra commenced on Wednesday, attracting a large influx of pilgrims to various counters.
Devotees eagerly flocked to registration counters as both online and offline processes were initiated. The advance registration is accessible through both methods.
This 57-day pilgrimage is set to begin from two routes: the traditional 42-km-long Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km shorter, yet more challenging Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Pilgrims opting for the Pahalgam route typically take four days to reach the cave shrine, while those choosing the Baltal route can return to the base camp after having ‘Darshan’ on the same day.
Helicopter services are available for pilgrims on both routes.
This year's Yatra will kick off on July 3 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan, August 28.
Officials from the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, which oversees the Yatra's management, noted a significant rush as pilgrims are eager to register.
Registration is currently open in both online and offline formats.
Nationwide, 556 bank branches are participating in the registration process, with 310 being Punjab National Bank branches. In Jammu, six counters have been established.
The offline branches in Jammu, including those of J&K Bank and Punjab National Bank, have seen long lines since 8 am, with devotees arriving an hour early to secure their registration.
Many devotees expressed their desire to be among the first to experience ‘Darshan’ inside the sacred cave shrine.
The Amarnath cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,888 metres above sea level, is home to an ice stalagmite structure representing the divine essence of Lord Shiva, according to the beliefs of devotees.
This ice stalagmite structure varies in size with the moon's phases. A significant number of local Muslims contribute to the Yatra by serving as pony wallahs, porters, or by carrying elderly and infirm devotees on their backs.
Offline registration can be carried out at 556 bank branches nationwide, including 310 branches of Punjab National Bank, 90 branches of J&K Bank, 37 branches of Yes Bank, and 99 branches of State Bank of India, among others.