Srinagar, July 29: Despite facing adverse weather conditions on the twin routes to the Amarnath cave shrine, more than 7,000 devoted pilgrims successfully had their ‘darshan’ on the 28th day of the Yatra. Simultaneously, a fresh group of 2,050 pilgrims embarked from Jammu to the Valley on Saturday. Since the commencement of this year’s Amarnath Yatra on July 1, the pilgrimage has drawn over 3.77 lakh participants.
Officials reported that the departing batch of Yatris from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu consisted of 1,618 males, 357 females, 12 children, 54 Sadhus, and 9 Sadhvis.
However, it’s important to note that 36 pilgrims have unfortunately lost their lives during the course of this year’s Yatra.
Pilgrims undertake the journey to the Himalayan cave shrine via two main routes: the traditional south Kashmir Pahalgam route, involving a 43 km uphill trek from the Pahalgam base camp, and the Baltal base camp route, which requires a 14 km uphill trek. While those using the Pahalgam route take three to four days to reach the cave shrine, those opting for the Baltal route return to the base camp on the same day after having ‘darshan’ inside the cave shrine, situated at an elevation of 3,888 meters above sea level.
Additionally, helicopter services are available for Yatris on both routes.
The cave shrine is renowned for housing an ice stalagmite structure that devotees believe symbolizes the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. This ice stalagmite structure waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.
This year’s 62-day long Amarnath Yatra, which commenced on July 1, will conclude on August 31 on Shravan Purnima, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
To safeguard pilgrims from high-altitude sickness, authorities have prohibited all junk food at the free community kitchens, known as ‘Langars,’ along both Yatra routes. The ban includes bottled drinks, Halwai items, fried foods, and tobacco-based products.
