In Jammu and Kashmir, amid tight security arrangements, the 22nd batch of over 3800 pilgrims left for the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, Jammu early morning today for the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam in Kashmir. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that a total of 3898 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, Jammu for Kashmir valley in a cavalcade of 149 vehicles under tight security arrangements.
Among them, 1292 pilgrims preferred the shortest Baltal track while 2606 opted for the traditional and longest Nunwan-Pahalgam route.
Shri Amarnathji Yatra has registered record breaking number of over 3.26 lakh pilgrims who visited the Holy Cave Shrine which is comparatively much higher than the previous year number at the same time.
The 62 day annual pilgrimage to the 3,888 metre high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas commenced from the twin tracks of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district on July 1 and is scheduled to conclude on August 31 on Shravan Purnima with Raksha Bandhan festival. The yatra is progressing smoothly, with devotees from across the country thronging the base camps to have a glimpse of the naturally formed Ice-Shivlingam and offer their prayers.
