The annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on Friday under extensive security arrangements, with the first batches of pilgrims setting out from the twin base camps of Baltal and Nunwan towards the sacred cave shrine nestled at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the south Kashmir Himalayas. The 57-day pilgrimage will continue until August 28.
Earlier, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of over 4,809 pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. Upon reaching the Kashmir Valley, the devotees received a warm welcome from local authorities and residents. Pilgrims, including men, women and sadhus, began their journey along the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route and the shorter 14-km Baltal route amid intermittent rainfall.
The atmosphere echoed with chants of “Bum Bum Bhole” as officials, including deputy commissioners and senior police officers, flagged off the yatris from both base camps. Authorities have deployed stringent security measures and made elaborate logistical arrangements to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of one of India’s most significant annual pilgrimages.
