The offline registration process for the annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on Wednesday, attracting a large number of devotees eager to secure their spots for the pilgrimage. This comes three days before the official start of the yatra, set to begin on June 29 and continue until August 19.
To mark the beginning of the pilgrimage, the ‘Pratham Puja’ ceremony was performed at the Amarnath cave, symbolizing the spiritual commencement of this significant event.
South Jammu Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Manu Hansa announced that the offline registration process had started and tokens were being distributed to the pilgrims. These tokens will determine the dates on which the devotees can undertake the yatra.
“At the centres, offline tokens are being issued to the pilgrims. There are a total of three offline centres: Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan, and Mahajan Hall. From these locations, token slips are distributed to the pilgrims. Their registration is then processed based on these tokens, which also determine their yatra dates. Pilgrims are required to present their Aadhaar cards for registration. Children below 13 years and women who are six months or more pregnant are not allowed,” explained SDM Hansa to ANI.
The SDM also mentioned that around 1,000 registrations had been completed for the June 29 pilgrimage. The Sri Amarnath Shrine Board is expected to release a daily quota of pilgrim registrations. “We aim to complete at least 2,000 registrations today. Those who have registered online do not need to come to the registration centres,” he added.
Hansa also highlighted the facilities provided for the pilgrims, including six token centres, water filters, and a dining hall to assist and ensure a smooth registration process. Additionally, help desks have been set up in the waiting areas to aid the pilgrims.
A trial run for the Amarnath Yatra was conducted on Tuesday at Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu. This included mock drills and the movement of pilgrims to test the security measures in place.
The advance and online registration for the 52-day-long yatra began on April 15 via the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board’s (SASB) website and portal.
LG Sinha Reviews Security Arrangements
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inspected the Shri Amarnath Yatra Base Camp at Baltal in Ganderbal district on Tuesday. He reviewed the arrangements for the pilgrimage and instructed senior officials from the administration, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), police, security forces, and other departments to collaborate for enhanced security and management of the yatra.
Security Measures Strengthened
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has implemented a comprehensive security plan to protect pilgrims traveling on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). CRPF has increased the frequency of patrols on this highway, with the Road Opening Party (ROP) and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) continuously monitoring the route to promptly address any unexpected situations.
About the Amarnath Yatra
The Amarnath Yatra is an annual pilgrimage that occurs under tight security and vigilance, taking place from two main routes: the traditional 48-km-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter, steeper 14-km-long Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims participate in the yatra, which is held during the ‘Shravani Mela’ in July-August, the only time of the year when the Amarnath Cave is accessible due to its geographical conditions.
Located 141 km from Srinagar at an altitude of 12,756 feet above sea level, the holy cave of Amarnath is situated in the Ladar Valley, surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped mountains for most of the year.
*(With inputs from agencies)*