Srinagar: A new group of 1,626 pilgrims has departed from Jammu to embark on the Amarnath Yatra after its temporary suspension. The batch, escorted by officials, consists of 1,303 males, 252 females, seven children, 51 Sadhus, and 13 Sadhvis, making their way to the Valley from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu.
Since its commencement on July 1, this year’s Amarnath Yatra has seen over 4 lakh pilgrims performing the sacred journey. However, unfortunate incidents such as high altitude sickness and other natural causes have resulted in the deaths of 36 pilgrims during the Yatra.
The pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine can be undertaken from two routes. One is the traditional south Kashmir Pahalgam route, which involves a challenging uphill trek of 43 kilometers from the Pahalgam base camp. The other route starts from the north Kashmir Baltal base camp, with a 14-kilometer uphill trek. Those using the Pahalgam route typically take 3-4 days to reach the cave shrine, while those opting for the Baltal route return to the base camp on the same day after performing ‘darshan’ inside the cave shrine, located at an elevation of 3888 meters above sea level.
For the convenience of the pilgrims, helicopter services are available on both routes. The cave shrine is home to an ice stalagmite structure that holds immense significance for devotees, symbolizing the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. This ice stalagmite structure undergoes waxing and waning phases with the lunar cycle.
The 62-day long Amarnath Yatra, which started on July 1, will conclude on August 31, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festival.
In efforts to safeguard pilgrims from high altitude sickness, authorities have taken precautionary measures, including the prohibition of junk food at the free community kitchens, known as ‘langars,’ along both Yatra routes. The banned items encompass all bottled drinks, halwai items, fried foods, and tobacco-based products.
