amarnath-yatra-draws-over-1-lakh-pilgrims-in-5-days

The annual Amarnath Yatra has exceeded expectations, surpassing the one lakh mark in five days since it began on June 29.

 

Officials stated that 30,586 Yatris paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir on Wednesday, bringing the total number of devotees performing ‘darshan’ of the naturally formed ice lingam to 1,05,282.

 

A batch of 9,800 yatris departed from the Baltal base camp on Wednesday. "A fresh batch of over 5,700 Yatris left for the Amarnath shrine from Jammu," officials confirmed. 

 

They added that many yatris took advantage of on-spot registration at the base camp counters established by the administration.

 

The sixth batch of 5,725 pilgrims left in 256 vehicles for the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam, escorted by security vehicles. 

 

"While 3,211 yatris took the 48-km traditional Pahalgam route… 2,514 yatris chose the shorter but steep 14-km Baltal route," officials said. 

 

The number of yatris participating in the Amarnath Yatra is expected to surpass all previous records, as the administration is meticulously overseeing all travel arrangements. 

 

"Fool-proof security arrangements are in place for the ongoing Yatra, and civil societies, local district administrations, and residents are warmly welcoming the Yatris throughout the valley," officials remarked.

 

In their ongoing efforts to assist the Amarnath Yatris, the J&K Police, SDRF, and Forest Protection Force personnel have been actively helping elderly pilgrims and providing first aid when necessary. 

 

Additionally, employees of the Forest Protection Force Department have also been seen extending a helping hand to those in need.