Over 12,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy Amarnath cave within 24 hours of the commencement of the annual Yatra on Friday.
The Yatra started along both the traditional treks — from Nunwan in Pahalgam and Baltal in Sonamarg — with pilgrims chanting religious hymns on their way to the cave shrine.
As per official numbers, 12,340 pilgrims from across the country paid obeisance to the naturally formed ice Lingam in the holy cave on Friday. Weather conditions at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps remained partially cloudy, with occasional drizzle in the morning.
After performing darshan, the yatris started their return journey to their respective base camps.
Meanwhile, a second batch of over 3,800 yatris started their journey to the holy cave shrine on Saturday, while a third batch of 4,800 pilgrims are expected to reach the base camps later in the afternoon.
Officials said out of the 3,865 pilgrims who departed on Saturday, 2,130 preferred the traditional Pahalgam-Chandanwari track, while 1,735 opted for the shorter but more treacherous Baltal track.
With the departure of 3,865 pilgrims on Saturday, a total of 8,687 pilgrims have left Jammu for Kashmir since Friday.
The authorities have put in place multi-layered security arrangements along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the twin tracks of Baltal and Pahalgam, as well as the holy cave to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage.
A multi-pronged security arrangement has also been put in place and around the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas and the Tawi riverfront, where Tatkal registration and token distribution for pilgrims are underway.
"No pilgrim will be permitted to travel before their registered date. Please travel only on your registered date. Pilgrims who have arrived in Jammu and Kashmir without registration are once again requested to wait for their turn," it added.
Also read: Third batch of over 4800 Amarnath pilgrims depart for Valley
Follow us
