from his mouth: The annual Amarnath Yatra began on Thursday when a batch of around 2,750 pilgrims set out from the base camp here for the cave temple, which has a naturally formed snow-lingam in the south Kashmir Himalayas. Deputy Commissioner Piyush Singla flagged off the pilgrimage at Nunwan base camp at Pahalgam in Anantnag district. The journey – most of it along the foot – takes about three days with overnight stops at Sheshnag and Panchtarni. Notably, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday flagged off the first batch of 4,890 pilgrims from the Jammu base camp.
After flagging off the holy yatra, Deputy Commissioner Piyush Singla told PTI that all arrangements have been made to ensure smooth conduct of the 43-day pilgrimage, adding, “It is an effort to ensure that the pilgrims feel safe and secure. Make the pilgrimage in peace.”
Notably, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has made a provision for online ‘darshan’ of the naturally formed ice lingam. Officials reportedly said that this year the pilgrimage is expected to see higher-than-normal attendance as it is being organized after a gap of three years.
A pilgrim along with the first group of pilgrims on their way to the holy cave told ANI, “We are happy to join the yatra this year which was delayed due to the pandemic, eagerly waiting to worship Baba Bholenath ”
Jammu and Kashmir | We are delighted to join the yatra this year which was delayed due to the pandemic; Eagerly waiting for the worship of Baba Bholenath: A pilgrim pic.twitter.com/oBbmb8CTwB— ANI (@ANI) 30 June 2022
In 2019, the yatra was canceled midway before the Center abrogated provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution. The pilgrimage did not take place in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amarnath Yatra strengthens our belief in the good of mankind: Manoj Sinha
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha said that the annual Amarnath Yatra reinforces belief in the goodness of mankind and its successful conduct is the duty of every citizen of the Union Territory. Sinha said this in a meeting with leaders of political parties in Srinagar on Wednesday.
“Amarnath Yatra is a reflection of our composite culture and people of all religions are contributing in making it a success. The pilgrimage strengthens our belief in the well being of mankind and the responsibility of its successful conduct lies with every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir. Is.” PTI quoted Sinha as saying.
According to an official spokesperson, all the leaders in the meeting observed that the pilgrimage is like a big festival and celebration of “Kashmiriyat”, and said that every citizen of the Union Territory will ensure warm hospitality and comfort to the pilgrims. The spokesperson said that the leaders appealed to the people for their continued support and assistance in conducting the Yatra, which is the pride of Jammu and Kashmir and a reflection of unity in diversity.
Apart from the arrangements made for the yatra, Sinha also apprised about the special places identified in all the yatra camps for the sale of local products including famous art and handicrafts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The leaders who attended the meeting included National Conference President Farooq Abdullah, CPI(M) leaders MY Tarigami, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Muzaffar Shah, Altaf Bukhari, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President GA Mir, Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina. . Hakim Mohammad Yasin and GM Shaheen. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti did not attend the meeting.
Notably, security personnel have been deployed on the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Officials told PTI that while new security pickets have been installed to ensure that subversive elements do not succeed in disrupting the pilgrimage, drone surveillance and RFID chips are also a part of the three-tier security arrangement for the pilgrims. The Amarnath Yatra will conclude on August 11 with Raksha Bandhan.
(with PTI inputs)