Over 51,000 have left for Amarnath 'darshan' in 3 phases

Jammu, July 2: Since its commencement on June 29, the Amarnath Yatra has seen 51,000 devotees so far, with an additional batch of 6,537 pilgrims departing for Kashmir in two escorted convoys on Tuesday.

Officials reported that 6,537 pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Valley. “Of these, 2,106 devotees left in an escorted convoy of 105 vehicles at 3:05 a.m. for the Baltal base camp, while 4,431 pilgrims left at 3:50 a.m. in 156 vehicles for the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp,” they stated.

The Meteorological (MeT) department has forecast generally cloudy weather on both Yatra routes, with light rain or thunderstorms expected in the morning hours.

Pilgrims can choose between the 48 km traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter 14 km Baltal route to perform the Yatra. Those using the Pahalgam route take four days to reach the cave shrine, while those on the Baltal route return to the base camp on the same day after having ‘darshan’ inside the cave shrine.

Situated 3,888 metres above sea level, the cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon, believed by devotees to symbolize the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

This year, extensive security arrangements have been made along the nearly 300 km Jammu-Srinagar highway, the twin Yatra routes, the two base camps, and the cave shrine to ensure a smooth, incident-free Yatra.

Over 124 ‘langars’ (community kitchens) have been set up along both routes, as well as at transit camps and the cave shrine. More than 7,000 ‘Sevadars’ (volunteers) are serving the pilgrims this year.

To manage the rush of Yatris, the Railways have decided to add additional trains starting July 3. Helicopter services are also available for pilgrims on both routes.