47,972 Pilgrims Visit Amarnath Shrine in First Three Days

SRINAGAR: Amid security arrangements and multi-layered protection, more than 47,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine, located in the Himalayas, in the first three days of the Yatra, officials said.

According to official data, 21,109 pilgrims visited the shrine on July 5 (Saturday), including 16,159 males, 3,921 females, 226 children, 250 sadhus, 29 sadhvis, 3 transgender devotees, and 521 security personnel. This brings the cumulative total to 47,972 yatris since the commencement of the Yatra.

Meanwhile, the fourth batch comprising 6,979 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu early Saturday and proceeded towards the twin base camps of Baltal in Ganderbal and Nunwan in Pahalgam, Anantnag, under tight security.

The convoy departed in 312 vehicles, including 136 buses, 70 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), and 106 light motor vehicles (LMVs).

The group included 5,196 males, 1,427 females, 24 children, 247 sadhus, 84 sadhvis, and 1 transgender pilgrim. Of them, 2,753 pilgrims opted for the Baltal route, while 4,226 proceeded via Pahalgam.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that devotees are arriving from across the country to have darshan of Baba Amarnath. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir are welcoming them with an open heart. The UT administration, the Government of India, and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board have expanded services to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey for all,” he said.

He further said, “Pilgrims arriving earlier than the stipulated date will be accommodated. However, I advise them to wait, as those with prior registration will be given priority.” (KNO)