Baltal, Jul 03: Amid chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev,” the first batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra departed for the Holy Cave from the Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camps early Friday morning under a multi-layered security cover, marking the formal commencement of the 57-day pilgrimage in Kashmir.
The annual pilgrimage to the Holy Cave Shrine, situated at an altitude of around 13,500 feet above sea level in the Himalayas of south Kashmir, will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan, when the traditional concluding rituals and special prayers will be held.
According to official sources, the first batch of pilgrims from the Baltal base camp in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district was flagged off at around 4:00 a.m. by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama. The yatris began their journey from Domail towards the Holy Cave amid tight security arrangements.
Simultaneously, the first batch of pilgrims from the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam, located in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, also commenced their pilgrimage towards the revered shrine.
Sources said both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes had already been fully secured and placed under the control of security agencies well ahead of the Yatra. Elaborate three-tier security arrangements have been put in place to thwart any possible threat and ensure the safe passage of pilgrims.
Security deployment extends from the Jammu base camps up to the Holy Cave Shrine, with personnel from the CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, BSF, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF and other security agencies stationed along the entire route to provide comprehensive security and emergency assistance to the pilgrims.
Officials said extensive arrangements have also been made for the convenience of devotees. Essential facilities, including medical aid, emergency response teams, shelter, sanitation and other services, have been established from Baltal to Panchtarni and cave to ensure that pilgrims complete the arduous journey without facing any inconvenience.
Authorities have expressed confidence that the coordinated efforts of the civil administration, security forces and rescue agencies will ensure the smooth, safe and successful conduct of this year’s Shri Amarnath Yatra.
