When Does the Amarnath Yatra Resume from Jammu?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 7,908 pilgrims left Jammu for Kashmir on July 18.
- Over 2.52 lakh yatris have participated since the Yatra started.
- Enhanced security measures are in effect due to past incidents.
- The Yatra will conclude on August 9, coinciding with significant festivals.
- Two main routes are available: Pahalgam and Baltal.
Srinagar, July 18 (NationPress) A group of 7,908 pilgrims embarked on their journey to Kashmir from Jammu on Friday, just a day after the Amarnath Yatra was halted due to adverse weather conditions.
According to officials, over 2.52 lakh yatris have participated in the ongoing Amarnath Yatra since its commencement on July 3.
Today, another group of 7,908 yatris departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys. The first convoy, consisting of 92 vehicles carrying 2,879 yatris, left at 3:30 a.m. for the Baltal base camp, while the second convoy, comprising 169 vehicles with 5,029 yatris, departed at 4:25 a.m. for the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.
The Bhumi Pujan of ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) took place at Pahalgam on July 10. A group of seers, led by the custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, transported the Chhari Mubarak from its location at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar to Pahalgam.
In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar temple for the Bhumi Pujan.
After the rituals, the Chhari Mubarak was returned to 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, reaching the holy cave shrine on August 9, which marks the official conclusion of the Yatra.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra has witnessed extensive multi-tier security measures following the tragic attack on April 22, where Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.
An additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been deployed to bolster the existing forces of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police.
The Yatra commenced on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. Pilgrims can reach the holy cave shrine located at an altitude of 3,888 metres in the Kashmir Himalayas via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.
Those using the Pahalgam route cover a distance of 46 km on foot, passing through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, which takes approximately four days. Conversely, those opting for the Baltal route trek 14 km to the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after their darshan.
This year, no helicopter services are available for yatris due to security concerns.
The cave shrine features an ice stalagmite that waxes and wanes with the moon phases, which devotees believe symbolizes the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.