Over 9,100 Amarnath pilgrims left Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp on Sunday under stringent security arrangements. As per officials, a total of 9,153 pilgrims departed in a convoy of 359 vehicles. Approximately 3,429 pilgrims were heading towards the shorter but steeper Baltal route in 149 vehicles, while 5,724 devotees left for the traditional longer route in Pahalgam in 210 vehicles.
Of these, 6,522 were males, 2,233 females, 18 were children, 267 sadhus, 112 sadhvis, and five transgender pilgrims were part of this fresh batch moving towards the Valley. Officials said the total number of pilgrims who have departed from Jammu for the annual pilgrimage has now reached the 79,816 mark.
After entering Ramban district via the Nashri Tunnel, the Baltal-bound pilgrims are scheduled to halt at Lambar Ground, Banihal, where breakfast and other basic facilities have been arranged.
Meanwhile, pilgrims travelling towards the Pahalgam route will stop at the Chanderkoot Langar sites in Ramban for breakfast before continuing their onward journey to south Kashmir. The administration has made all necessary arrangements, including health, medical, and convenience facilities, to ensure the smooth conduct of the Yatra.
The pilgrimage began on Thursday. Authorities expect a massive rush this year, with improved facilities and security arrangements. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Friday that over 2 lakh devotees have visited and performed darshan at the Amarnath cave shrine in just 8 days.
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