Jammu (Rajeev Sharma): The annual Amarnath Yatra formally began on Friday as the first groups of devotees set out for the holy cave shrine nestled in the Himalayas of south Kashmir. Pilgrims started their ascent from the Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camps under heightened security and comprehensive logistical arrangements put in place by the administration.
Despite intermittent rainfall in several parts of the Valley, devotees began their journey before sunrise, chanting religious hymns as they embarked on the sacred trek. The annual pilgrimage, which attracts lakhs of worshippers from across the country, will continue for 57 days and conclude on August 28.
Pilgrims are travelling through two designated routes to reach the cave shrine, situated at an altitude of around 3,880 metres above sea level. While many opted for the traditional Pahalgam route, others chose the shorter Baltal track to reach the naturally formed ice Shivling, considered one of Hinduism’s most revered symbols of Lord Shiva.
The first batches had arrived in Kashmir on Thursday after departing from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu, where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the inaugural convoy. The yatris were welcomed upon their arrival in the Valley before being escorted to their respective base camps.
Authorities have implemented elaborate security measures for the pilgrimage in view of its scale and significance. Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and other central armed forces have been stationed along the pilgrimage routes, at transit camps and near the shrine. Surveillance through drones and aerial monitoring is also being carried out to strengthen security throughout the yatra.
Besides security, extensive arrangements have been made for medical facilities, accommodation, food services, sanitation and emergency response. Officials said rescue teams, healthcare workers and disaster management units remain on standby to assist pilgrims whenever required.
The administration has appealed to devotees to follow official advisories, travel only through authorised routes and cooperate with security personnel to ensure the pilgrimage proceeds safely and smoothly.
With the commencement of the first batches, one of the country’s most significant annual religious pilgrimages is now underway, with thousands more devotees expected to arrive in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming weeks.
