Anantnag, Aug 27 (KNS): Head Priest Mahant Deependra Giri Sunday said that Amarnath Yatra “a symbol of faith”: Mahant Deependra Giriymbol of faith and added the Muslims of J&K are always wholeheartedly welcoming the Yatra.

Speaking to KNS, Giri said it is a moment of great happiness that this year Amarnath Yatra was extended to the period of 62 days in which pilgrims from across the country and outside paid obeisance to the holy cave.

“This year normal atmosphere was in place and owing to the circumstances the Amarnath Yatra was extended to 62 days in which pilgrims from all over the world took park. As per details available over 4.50 lac devotees have visited the holy cave so far,” Giri said.

When asked about arrangements, the head priest said “I am satisfied with the arrangements made by the J&K Government. I talked to people as well who felt immense good during pilgrimage. The government had made sufficient arrangement prior to 4 to 5 months of the Yatra”.

“Pilgrims were facilitated immensely during the Yatra. Track leading to the holy cave was widened by the government.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelBesides other arrangements required for the Yatra were up to the mark and people from India and outside gave encouraging response to this year’s Yatra,” he said.

He added due to flash floods in Himachal and Punjab the flow of pilgrimage went little bit down this year but so far more than 4.50 lac pilgrims have paid visit to the holy cave.

To a query, he said “Mankind is all one. Basically we are all one. It is only our egos and beliefs who separate us with each other”.

Terming Amarnath Yatra “a symbol of faith”, the head priest said people from every part of the globe are coming to Amarnath Yatra and added, “Being J&K a Muslim dominated State, the Kashmiri’s have showed utmost hospitality and generosity toward their non-Muslim brethren during the Yatra”.

Notably the annual Amarnath Yatra 2023 was commenced on July 1st and will be over on August 31. The Lieutenant Governor J&K Manoj Sinha had flagged off the first arrived batch of pilgrims from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 1 this year. (KNS)