Srinagar, July 2: The annual Amarnath Yatra commenced with the arrival of the first batch of pilgrims in the Kashmir Valley on Thursday. Officials reported that the convoy of 4,822 devotees received a warm reception upon their entry into the valley.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the pilgrims were flagged off earlier in the day from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The convoy proceeded towards the valley through the Navyug Tunnel in the Qazigund area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, operating under a comprehensive multi-tier security arrangement.
Upon their arrival in the valley, the pilgrims were greeted by a contingent of police and civil administration officials. Among those present to welcome the devotees were the Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Deputy Inspector General of South Kashmir Range, Javid Iqbal Matoo. The reception included the presentation of garlands, bouquets, and a shower of flower petals, signifying a traditional welcome.
Following the reception, the pilgrim convoys were directed to proceed separately to the designated base camps at Baltal and Pahalgam. These base camps serve as the staging points for the pilgrims’ onward journey to the revered Amarnath cave shrine, situated at an altitude of 3,880 meters. The main pilgrimage is scheduled to commence early Friday morning.
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra is set to officially begin on July 3 and will conclude on August 28. Devotees undertaking the pilgrimage have two primary routes available: the traditional 48-kilometer-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district, and the shorter 14-kilometer-long Baltal route located in the Ganderbal district. Both routes are managed under strict logistical and security protocols to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
The Chenab Times News Desk