Baltal, July 12: As thousands of pilgrims arrive at the Baltal base camp for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, free community kitchens set up by religious and voluntary organisations are playing a vital role in assisting devotees with meals, accommodation, healthcare support and other basic amenities.
Operating day and night, these service centres cater to a large number of yatris daily by providing freshly prepared food, resting spaces, clean washrooms and medical assistance, helping pilgrims prepare for and recover from their trek to the holy cave shrine.
Vikas Sharma of Delhi, who has been associated with this service for the last 20 years, said their organisation welcomes every pilgrim without any charge. He said providing meals and a place to stay for devotees is their way of contributing to the annual pilgrimage.
Among the prominent organisations, Shiv Gauri Sewa Mandal Delhi Tiranga Bhandara has been serving pilgrims at Baltal for nearly two decades. The organisation also manages another service centre near the Neelgrath, where it has been assisting devotees for the past five years.
Lakhi Ram from Chandigarh said his camp prepares a wide range of food items, including more than 50 varieties of sweets, besides wholesome meals. He said visitors are also provided with accommodation and other necessary facilities free of cost.
Sanjay Kumar Parasari from Uttar Pradesh said his organisation has been associated with the pilgrimage for the past 20 years, extending support through free meals, lodging, medicines and other essential services to pilgrims throughout the Yatra.
The dedicated efforts of volunteers and service organisations, along with support from the administration, continue to enhance facilities at Baltal, ensuring that thousands of devotees receive timely assistance during their spiritual journey.
