Devotion surged ahead of apprehension on Sunday, as a fresh batch of over 4,300 pilgrims departed from Jammu for the Amarnath cave shrine, pushing the cumulative figure since July 3 to over 2.75 lakh.
Officials overseeing the Yatra said the threshold of three lakh is likely to be crossed by day’s end, given the continued daily movement of convoys from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp to Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
“More than 2.75 lakh Yatris have so far performed the Amarnath Yatra since it commenced on July 3,” an official stated. “Today, another batch of 4,338 pilgrims left in two escorted convoys for the Valley.”
The first convoy, comprising 64 vehicles and carrying 1,573 Yatris, departed for the Baltal base camp at 3.30 a.m. The second, with 115 vehicles and 2,815 pilgrims, set out for the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam at 4 a.m.
Authorities have implemented a layered security architecture to protect the annual pilgrimage, which resumed this year under the shadow of the April 22 terror strike in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, where 28 people were killed, most of them tourists.
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Despite the looming threat and rugged terrain, the response to the pilgrimage has remained unwavering. Since Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch on July 2, more than 1.1 lakh devotees have embarked on the journey from Jammu alone.
Online registration figures have already crossed 3.5 lakh, and with special offline counters now functional, officials expect a further surge in participation in the coming weeks.
Last year, the pilgrimage drew over 5.10 lakh pilgrims. This year’s turnout suggests similar enthusiasm, despite security concerns and logistical challenges.
An officer from the Jammu and Kashmir administration said that communication systems have been fortified, and rapid medical response teams are stationed along the twin routes. “The entire route is under surveillance, with checkpoints and drone monitoring to ensure the safety of every pilgrim,” he added.
The sacred Amarnath cave, perched at an altitude of 3,880 metres, houses an ice stalagmite believed to symbolise Lord Shiva. The annual Yatra typically spans 43 days, drawing devotees from across the country.
Officials noted that weather conditions have largely remained favourable, aiding the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage so far.
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