JAMMU, Apr 17: Registration for the 62-day-long Shri Amarnathji Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir has begun. The Yatra will commence on July 1 and end on August 31, 2023. The registration is available both online and offline for both the Pahalgam track in the Anantnag district and Baltal in the Ganderbal district. For offline registration, pilgrims can visit 542 bank branches across the country, including 316 branches of Punjab National Bank, 90 branches of J-K, 37 branches of Yes Bank, and 99 branches of SBI Bank. A new feature in registration is Aadhar-based registration, which involves taking the pilgrim’s thumb scan for registration.
The guidelines state that individuals aged between 13-70 can register for the Amarnathji Yatra 2023, and all pilgrims must possess a health certificate. Pregnant women with a pregnancy of six weeks or more are not allowed to undertake the yatra.
The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, has assured that the administration is committed to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage. The administration is working towards providing best-in-class healthcare and other essential facilities for the pilgrims. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) will enable live telecasts of morning and evening Aarti for devotees worldwide. The government has made the Shri Amarnathji Yatra’s App available on the Google Play store for real-time information about the Yatra, weather, and availing of several services online.
The pilgrimage to the Amarnath Gupha, a holy place for Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir, is marked by devotion, religious tolerance, and brotherhood. Pilgrims come from all over India to have darshan of the old ‘Linga’ of Lord Shiva inside the Amarnath Gupha. The hill trek to reach the holy place starts from Chandiwadi and Noonan base camps in Pahalgam, covering 43 km. The pilgrimage now lasts for 40 to 45 days between July and August.
