Over 8,000 Devotees Perform Darshan Today, Total Surpasses 3.6 Lakh

Srinagar: Amid tight security cover a fresh batch of 8,181 Amarnath pilgrims visited the sacred Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir himalayas on Friday, pushing the overall count to 3,60,320.

According to officials, those who offered darshan on the 23rd day of the annual pilgrimage included 6,326 men, 1,264 women, 84 children, 56 sadhus, 3 sadhvis, and 448 security personnel.

The holy ice Shivlingam, situated at an altitude of 3,880 metres, continues to draw devotees from across India and abroad. However, the daily number of pilgrims has seen a steady decline in recent days.

Early Friday morning, the 23rd batch of 2,896 pilgrims departed from the Jammu base camp under tight security. The group comprised 2,505 men and 314 women, travelling in 117 vehicles escorted by CRPF and police forces. Of these, 790 pilgrims in 42 vehicles took the Baltal route in Ganderbal district, while 2,106 yatris in 75 vehicles chose the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district.

Despite favourable weather and smooth arrangements, the overall turnout and departures from Jammu have gradually decreased. Officials cite post-peak fatigue and early darshan completion by many registered pilgrims as key reasons for the drop.

Authorities continue to ensure all facilities and security measures remain in place for the remaining devotees.

The yatra began on July 3, is scheduled to culminate on August 9. (KNO)