Locals in Kashmir welcomed the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims with warmth and goodwill on Wednesday as they arrived in the Valley through the Navyug Tunnel.
People from various sections of society, including members of civil society, traders, and residents of Anantnag and Kulgam districts, gathered with garlands and placards to greet the Yatris.
The spontaneous gesture highlighted the enduring spirit of communal harmony in Kashmir and the region’s longstanding support for the annual pilgrimage.
Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu. Chanting slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, ‘Bum Bum Bhole’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’, enthusiastic devotees set out in two escorted convoys towards the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps.
The Lt Governor, who also chairs the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), was accompanied by senior civil and police officials during the flag-off ceremony.
According to officials, a total of 5,892 pilgrims left Jammu for the Valley on Wednesday. Of these, 3,403 are bound for the Nunwan base camp at Pahalgam, while 2,489 are heading to Baltal.
This year’s Yatra is being held under tight security arrangements, with an additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces deployed following the April Pahalgam terror attack.
The 36-day pilgrimage will formally commence on Thursday and conclude on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Pilgrims undertake the journey to the holy cave shrine located at an altitude of 3,888 metres either through the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. The Pahalgam route involves a 46-kilometre trek over four days, while those opting for the Baltal route complete a 14-kilometre trek and return the same day.
This year, no helicopter services are available for security reasons.
The cave shrine houses the naturally formed ice Shivling, believed by devotees to symbolise the mystical powers of Lord Shiva.
-IANS
