A fresh batch of 9,182 Amarnath pilgrims left Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp on Saturday under tight security arrangements.
Officials said a total of 9,182 devotees left for the twin base camps in Pahalgam and Baltal in 333 vehicles.
Approximately 3,305 Yatris left for Baltal in Sonamarg, while another 5,877 pilgrims left for the Pahalgam base camp in south Kashmir.
Of these, 6,455 were males, 2,389 females, 31 were children, 256 sadhus, 46 sadhvis, and five transgender pilgrims were part of this fresh batch moving towards the Valley.
The convoy consisted of 196 buses, 43 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 91 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and three two-wheelers. The first batch heading for the Baltal axis left the base camp at 2:43 a.m., followed by the Pahalgam convoy at 3:31 am.
Officials said the total number of pilgrims who have departed from Jammu for the annual pilgrimage has now reached 72,816 while some others said the number has crossed the 1 lakh 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 onwards 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.
Also read: 2 L pilgrims pay obeisance at Amarnath Shrine in 8 days: Sinha
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