Srinagar, June 28: The first group of over 4,600 pilgrims for the annual Amarnath Yatra arrived in Kashmir on Friday, amidst heightened security measures, according to officials.
Welcomed at the Navyug tunnel in Qazigund, Kulgam district by senior police, civil administration officials, and local residents, the pilgrims reached Srinagar in a convoy of 231 vehicles. The pilgrimage, which spans 52 days, will commence on Saturday from the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal, concluding on August 19.
The journey began early Friday morning with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch from the Yatri Niwas base camp at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu. Amidst chants of “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev,” Sinha wished the pilgrims a safe and blessed journey, hoping for peace, happiness, and prosperity for all.
Upon arrival, the pilgrims were greeted by Kulgam Deputy Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan, who emphasized the extensive preparations made for their journey. “We have ensured proper arrangements and a warm welcome from the administration, civil society, trade organizations, and market associations,” Khan stated.
The pilgrims will proceed to the base camps in Baltal and Pahalgam, from where they will begin their trek to the sacred 3,880-meter-high Amarnath cave shrine on Saturday. Authorities have implemented comprehensive measures, including three-tier security, area dominations, extensive route deployment, and checkpoints, to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.
Traffic restrictions will be in effect from June 28 to August 19, with daily advisories issued to minimize inconvenience to the public. Over 3.50 lakh people have registered for this year’s yatra, and 125 community kitchens (langars) have been established along the routes, supported by more than 6,000 volunteers, to assist the pilgrims.
First batch of Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims Arrives in Kashmir
