The first batch of pilgrims for the annual Amarnath Yatra received a warm welcome after arriving in the Kashmir Valley on Thursday under strict security arrangements. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
A total of 4,822 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu earlier in the day after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first convoy for the 57-day pilgrimage.
As the convoy entered the Valley through the Navyug Tunnel in the Qazigund area of Kulgam district, pilgrims were greeted by police and civil administration officials. They were welcomed with flower bouquets, garlands and showers of flower petals.
Senior officials, including the Inspector General (IG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Kashmir Range Javid Iqbal Matoo, were present to receive the pilgrims and wish them a safe and successful pilgrimage.
After the welcome ceremony, the convoy continued towards the two main base camps at Baltal in Ganderbal district and Nunwan-Pahalgam in Anantnag district.
Pilgrims will begin their onward journey to the 3,880-metre-high Holy Amarnath Cave Shrine from these base camps early on Friday.
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra officially begins on July 3 and will conclude on August 28. Devotees can choose between the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district or the shorter 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Authorities have put comprehensive security and logistical arrangements in place to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of one of the country’s largest annual religious pilgrimages.