The first batch of 4,822 pilgrims for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra was flagged off by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu today amid elaborate security arrangements. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that the LG flagged off the pilgrims for the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal.

 

Pilgrims from different parts of the country have been arriving in Jammu to take part in the sacred pilgrimage. The atmosphere at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp was filled with devotion and enthusiasm as the first convoy left for the holy cave shrine.

 

The first batch of 4822 devotees, including 2312 for the Baltal route and 2510 for the Pahalgam route, left in a cavalcade of 147 vehicles. Out of the 4822 devotees, 3707 are male, 816 female, 16 children, 246 Sadhus and 37 Sadhvis.

 

Many pilgrims, especially those undertaking the yatra for the first time, appreciated the arrangements made by the administration in Jammu.