Srinagar, July 2 (KINS): The Kashmir valley on Wednesday witnessed a joyful atmosphere as local authorities and residents warmly welcomed the first batch of pilgrims embarking on the annual Amarnath Yatra.
The first convoy of 5,892 pilgrims was earlier flagged off from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Upon their arrival in South Kashmir, the yatris were greeted with flower petals, garlands, sweets, and cheers at multiple points along the route.
At the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund, the entry point to Kashmir, the pilgrims were received by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir Range, and the Deputy Commissioner of Kulgam. Senior BJP leader Ravindra Raina also joined the reception, personally welcoming the pilgrims.
The convoy was split between the two main base camps—Baltal and Pahalgam—from where the pilgrims will proceed towards the 3,880-metre-high holy cave early Thursday morning.
Welcoming ceremonies were also held at Nunwan Base Camp in Pahalgam and Nowgam in Srinagar, with locals and officials lining the roads to greet the devotees.
The 38-day-long pilgrimage will officially begin on Thursday, traversing both the 48-km traditional route via Pahalgam in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The Yatra is set to conclude on August 9.
Officials have confirmed that over 3.31 lakh pilgrims have registered so far for this year’s Yatra, which is being conducted under tight security and comprehensive logistical arrangements.(KINS)
