Lieutenant Governor Flags Off First Batch of Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims Amidst Tight Security

News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/1st July 2024

In a robust security setting, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the inaugural batch of 4,603 pilgrims for the annual Amarnath Yatra from Jammu on Saturday. This first group of devotees is expected to reach the base camps in Baltal and Pahalgam in Kashmir by evening.

The Amarnath Yatra, a 52-day pilgrimage to the revered cave shrine situated at an altitude of around 13,000 feet in the South Kashmir Himalayas, will commence from two main routes. Pilgrims can choose between the traditional 48-kilometer Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter, but steeper, 14-kilometer Baltal route.

The departure ceremony was marked by an atmosphere charged with religious fervor as pilgrims enthusiastically chanted “Bham BhamBholey” and danced. The diverse group included 3,631 men, 711 women, 252 sadhus, and nine children, traveling in a convoy of 231 vehicles. To accommodate the travelers, langers (community kitchens), tents, and fiber shelters have been set up along the routes.

Security measures for this year’s yatra have been significantly enhanced, with the deployment of approximately 80,000 to 100,000 security personnel from Lakhanpur to the holy cave. Advanced manual deployment technology and CCTV cameras have been installed along national highways leading to the shrine to strengthen security and manage traffic. The first batch of pilgrims is traveling under high security in a convoy to reach the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps, where their journey to the shrine will begin. Multi-tier security is in place at the camps, along the tracks, and at the holy cave itself.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has undertaken extensive arrangements for the yatra, including enhanced health facilities. The pilgrimage officially begins on June 29, with 3.5 lakh pilgrims already registered, and more expected due to an increased quota for spot registrations.

The Amarnath Yatra is one of the most significant pilgrimages in Hinduism, attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees each year. The cave shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the pilgrimage involves a challenging trek to reach the sacred site. This year’s pilgrimage is expected to see a significant increase in the number of pilgrims, thanks to improved facilities and the administration’s efforts to ensure a smooth and safe journey for all participants.

The deployment of a large number of security personnel and the use of advanced technology underscores the importance of safety for the pilgrims. The administration’s commitment to providing enhanced health facilities and other amenities reflects their dedication to making the pilgrimage a positive and fulfilling experience for all.

The flagging off of the first batch of pilgrims by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha marks the beginning of a spiritual journey that holds deep significance for the devotees. The atmosphere of enthusiasm and devotion at the departure ceremony is a testament to the pilgrims’ unwavering faith and determination to complete the challenging trek to the holy cave.

As the pilgrims make their way to the base camps and begin their ascent to the shrine, they carry with them the hopes and prayers of millions of devotees around the world. The administration’s efforts to ensure their safety and well-being are commendable, and the successful commencement of the yatra is a promising start to this year’s pilgrimage season.