The annual Amarnath Yatra to the holy cave shrine has seen over 4.65 lakh pilgrims, who paid their respects to Lord Shiva, exceeding the total number of visitors to the naturally formed ice lingam than last year.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that 7,500 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave on Monday, bringing the total number of pilgrims to 4,66,342, compared to 4.59 lakh pilgrims last year.
They said the pilgrims who visited the shrine today include 4,364 male pilgrims, 1,791 female pilgrims, 148 Sadhus, and one Sadhvi.
“32nd batch of 1,832 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp at 3:22 AM in a convoy of 62 vehicles, escorted by the CRPF. The group includes 1,358 men, 363 women, two children, and 109 Sadhus and Sadhvis. Of these, 1,263 pilgrims will take the traditional 48-km route to Pahalgam in Anantnag district, while 569 will use the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district,” officials said.
The 52-day yatra, which began on June 29 this year, will conclude on August 19.
The increased turnout this year can be attributed to improved logistical arrangements, enhanced security measures, and favorable weather conditions.
Nandita, a pilgrim, visiting Amarnath for the first time, said, “The real joy is in reaching Amarnath; it is rewarding after such a tiring journey. The arrangements are excellent.”
“We have been treated well everywhere. Security personnel are courteous, making us feel comfortable. The medical facilities are also quite good. We have been planning this trip for a long time, and finally, this year it happened,” she added.
Rajesh from Gurgaon, said that this is his second pilgrimage to Amarnath. “I love coming here; I don’t attend any other pilgrimage. The facilities here are outstanding. People fear Kashmir, but they should definitely try to visit,” he added—(KNO)