Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, DD, The annual Amarnath Yatra, which commenced on July 3, is expected to surpass the three lakh pilgrim mark today. According to official figures, over 2.87 lakh devotees hadp already paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine by Saturday evening.
Despite inclement weather earlier this week that caused a brief suspension of the pilgrimage, the Yatra has continued smoothly, with thousands of pilgrims undertaking the arduous journey each day. On Friday alone, over 14,000 yatris reached the cave shrine, including men, women, children, and ascetics from different parts of the country.
The pilgrimage, which will conclude on August 7, has seen a steady stream of pilgrims along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Authorities have deployed extensive security measures to ensure the safety of the yatris, including drone surveillance, Quick Reaction Teams, and medical facilities at various points en route.
A temporary disruption occurred on July 17 following heavy rainfall and a landslide near Brarimarg. One pilgrim lost their life, and several others were injured. Restoration work was immediately taken up by the Border Roads Organisation, and the Yatra resumed the following day.
This year, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has implemented strict guidelines, including age restrictions, mandatory registration, and health certifications. The administration has also declared the Yatra routes as no-fly zones, suspending all helicopter services until the conclusion of the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, praising the availability of food, shelter, medical assistance, and the coordination between various departments. Langars set up by social and religious organisations continue to serve round-the-clock meals to the yatris.
With more than two weeks remaining until the Yatra concludes, officials expect a further surge in pilgrim turnout in the coming days, especially as the festival of Raksha Bandhan draws closer.
The Amarnath Yatra, one of the holiest pilgrimages in the Hindu religion, is held annually in the Himalayan region of South Kashmir and draws lakhs of devotees every year to the naturally formed ice-lingam of Lord Shiva.DD
