Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, June 28 KNS): The 52-day annual Amarnath Yatra is set to commence tomorrow, with the first group of pilgrims having already arrived in Kashmir on Friday.
The pilgrimage will follow two traditional routes: the 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam track in Anantnag and the 14-km Baltal track in Ganderbal, concluding on August 19.
The Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), which oversees the yatra, has advised pilgrims to respect the environment, avoid pollution, and refrain from consuming alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and smoking.
Given the challenging trek, reaching altitudes of up to 14,800 feet, the SASB has issued a detailed list of Do's and Don'ts for the pilgrims.
The Amarnath cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,888 meters in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder Valley in south Kashmir, is accessible via the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
News gathering agency KNS reported that the SASB has recommended that devotees carry adequate woolen clothing, as temperatures can unexpectedly drop below 5 degrees Celsius. Pilgrims are also required to wear RFID cards at all times and follow the yatra administration's instructions strictly. The gates at Domel and Chandanwari open at 5:00 AM and close at 11:00 AM, and pilgrims must reach these gates on time.
The journey began early Friday morning with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch from the Yatri Niwas base camp at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu. Amidst chants of "Bum Bum Bhole" and "Har Har Mahadev," Sinha wished the pilgrims a safe and blessed journey, hoping for peace, happiness, and prosperity for all.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Upon arrival at the Navyug tunnel in Qazigund , Kulgam district on Friday, the pilgrims were warmly welcomed by senior police, civil administration officials, and local residents.
Kulgam Deputy Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan highlighted the extensive preparations made for the pilgrims' journey, stating, "We have ensured proper arrangements and a warm welcome from the administration, civil society, trade organizations, and market associations."
From Qazigund, the pilgrims proceeded in a convoy of 231 vehicles to Srinagar.
Upon reaching Srinagar, the pilgrims were welcomed in the district by DC Srinagar, Dr. Bilal
They will move to the base camps in Baltal and Pahalgam, from where they will begin their trek to the sacred Amarnath cave shrine on Saturday. To ensure a smooth pilgrimage, authorities have implemented comprehensive security measures, including a three-tier security system, area dominations, extensive route deployments, and checkpoints.
Traffic restrictions will be in effect from June 28 to August 19, with daily advisories issued to minimize inconvenience to the public. Over 3.50 lakh people have registered for this year's yatra. Additionally, 125 community kitchens (langars) have been established along the routes, supported by more than 6,000 volunteers, to assist the pilgrims.(KNS)