Lakhs to join Amarnath Yatra

First batch of 2,096 pilgrims left Jammu on Tuesday

Tourism minister Nawang Rigzin Jora flagged off in Jammu the first batch of pilgrims, who travelled in 73 vehicles to Kashmir. Pilgrims have also started arriving by air.

Amarnath Yatra is performed through Pahalgam and Baltal routes. From Pahalgam it usually takes two or three days to complete the pilgrimage. While it takes only one day to complete the yatra from the Baltal route. The pilgrims can have darshan of the Shiv lingam at the holy Amarnath cave.

Chopper services are also being pressed  for the pilgrims. The pilgrimage will culminate on August 13.

Due to a peaceful summer this year unlike last three years, a record number of pilgrims may perform the yatra. “Till now 2, 50,000 pilgrims have registered themselves with us,” said Ramesh Kumar, an official of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board , organisers of the pilgrimage. He added the number of pilgrims will rise in days to come.

Tight security arrangements have been made for the pilgrims. Official sources said 30,000 personnel have been deployed for the security of Amarnath yatra, which has witnessed militant attacks since early 1990s.