Amarnath Yatra Crosses 1.45 Lakh Mark as Pilgrims Continue Journey

SRINAGAR: Despite intermittent rainfall in the Valley, thousands of devotees continue their pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, with the total number of yatris who have performed darshan so far crossing the 1.45 lakh mark.

According to official data, 17,022 pilgrims performed darshan at the cave shrine on Thursday, the eighth day of the Yatra. Pilgrims travelled via both routes—Baltal in Ganderbal and Nunwan-Pahalgam in Anantnag.

Of the total, 12,471 were male devotees, 4,000 were female pilgrims, and 182 were children. The batch also included 108 sadhus, 5 sadhvis, and 3 transgender devotees. Additionally, 253 personnel from security forces performed darshan on the day.

With this, the cumulative number of pilgrims who have paid obeisance at the holy cave has reached 1,45,716.

Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 7,307 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Thursday morning amid tight security arrangements. The convoy, comprising 284 vehicles, was escorted in two separate groups—one bound for the Baltal route and the other for the Pahalgam axis.

Officials said the batch included 5,534 men, 1,586 women, 25 children, and 162 sadhus and sadhvis. Of these, 3,081 pilgrims took the 14-km Baltal route in 137 vehicles, while 4,226 pilgrims opted for the 48-km traditional Pahalgam route in 147 vehicles.

With Thursday’s departure, the total number of pilgrims who have left from the Jammu base camp since the Yatra was flagged off by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has reached 62,788 in the past nine days.

Authorities said that elaborate security, medical, and logistical arrangements are in place across both routes to ensure smooth conduct of the Yatra. Civil administration, police, and health teams remain deployed at base camps and along the trekking paths.

The revered Chhari Mubarak—the holy mace of Lord Shiva—reached Pahalgam on Thursday, marking the commencement of key traditional rituals associated with the Amarnath Yatra.

The procession, led by Mahant Deependra Giri, started from the Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar and arrived at Chhari Vishram Sthal in Pahalgam.

As part of the day’s religious proceedings, Bhoomi Pujan, Navgrah Pujan, and symbolic hoisting of the religious flag were carried out.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahant Giri said Ashad Purnima, also observed as Guru Purnima, holds great spiritual importance. “We began the morning with the ritual departure of the Chhari Mubarak from Srinagar and arrived at Pahalgam for the customary rites. A havan and communal meal for devotees will follow,” he said.

Over 4 lakh pilgrims have registered online for this year’s pilgrimage, which is scheduled to conclude on August 9.

Last year, more than 5.1 lakh pilgrims performed darshan during the 52-day-long Yatra, marking one of the highest footfalls in recent years. (KNO)