Are You Ready for the Amarnath Yatra? 5,246 Yatris Begin Their Journey Today
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Synopsis
Join the thousands of devotees as they embark on the sacred journey of the Amarnath Yatra, a tradition deeply rooted in spiritual significance. This year’s Yatra is marked by heightened security and a warm welcome from local communities. Discover how pilgrims traverse challenging routes to reach the revered cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva!
Key Takeaways
- 5,246 Yatris have begun their journey to the Amarnath cave shrine.
- The Yatra runs for 36 days, concluding on August 9.
- Enhanced security measures are in place following past incidents.
- Local communities play a vital role in supporting the Yatris.
- Yatris must travel in escorted convoys for safety.
Jammu, July 2 (NationPress) A fresh group of 5,246 Yatris departed from Jammu toward the Valley as the highly anticipated Amarnath Yatra officially commenced on Thursday, according to officials.
Officials reported that this second batch of pilgrims left from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas on Canal Road in Jammu, traveling in two well-guarded convoys.
Out of these, 1,993 Yatris are heading to the Baltal base camp, while 3,253 Yatris are en route to the Pahalgam base camp.
The 36-day-long Amarnath Yatra kicked off on Thursday, with the first group of Yatris departing from the Baltal base camp for the revered cave shrine early in the morning.
Meanwhile, other members of the first batch set off from Pahalgam toward the cave shrine.
Upon their arrival in the Valley on Wednesday, local community members from various sectors, including civil society and trade, welcomed the Yatris at the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund with garlands and placards.
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, flagged off the first group of Yatris for this year's Amarnath Yatra from Jammu.
This year's pilgrimage is receiving unprecedented security measures, especially following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians at the hands of Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorists.
An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to reinforce the existing security framework, which includes the Army, security forces, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Yatris are strongly advised to travel from Jammu to the Valley only as part of escorted convoys, refraining from embarking on their own to the base camps.
The pilgrimage officially commenced on Thursday and will conclude on August 9, coinciding with the festivals of Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Devotees can access the holy cave shrine located at an altitude of 3,888 metres through the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.
Those choosing the Pahalgam route will trek from Pahalgam to Chandanwati, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, taking about four days to complete the 46-km trek to the cave shrine.
In contrast, those using the Baltal route can return to the base camp on the same day after having 'Darshan' at the cave shrine, covering a 14-km trek.
For security reasons, helicopter services will not be available for Yatris this year.
The cave shrine features an ice stalagmite structure that waxes and wanes with the lunar phases, which devotees believe symbolizes the divine powers of Lord Shiva.
Local communities play a crucial role in the Yatra by providing ponies, palkis, and even assisting the elderly and infirm pilgrims to reach the cave shrine.
Point of View
I emphasize the significance of the Amarnath Yatra not only as a religious pilgrimage but also as a cultural gathering that showcases the resilience and unity of devotees. The heightened security this year reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the region, yet the unwavering spirit of the Yatris remains a testament to their faith and dedication.
NationPress
03/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Amarnath Yatra?
The Amarnath Yatra is an annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine in the Himalayas, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where an ice stalagmite is believed to represent the deity.
When does the Amarnath Yatra take place?
The Amarnath Yatra typically takes place during the summer months, with this year's Yatra running from July 2 to August 9.
What routes can Yatris take to reach the shrine?
Yatris can choose between two primary routes: the traditional Pahalgam route, which is longer, or the shorter Baltal route.
Is there any security for the Yatris?
Yes, this year's Yatra features enhanced security measures due to previous incidents, including the deployment of additional CAPFs and local police.
Are there helicopter services available for Yatris?
No, for security reasons, helicopter services are not available to Yatris this year.
