Jammu: The annual Amarnath Yatra officially began on Friday as 4,822 Hindu pilgrims departed from Jammu for the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to Beyond Time News, the pilgrims travelled in a convoy of 259 vehicles, marking the start of one of the region’s largest annual religious pilgrimages.
Pilgrims Take Two Routes to the Holy Cave
Officials said 2,510 pilgrims chose the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam route, which passes through the Islamabad district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Another 2,312 pilgrims opted for the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in the Ganderbal district.
Both routes lead to the Amarnath Cave Shrine, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site visited annually during the summer months.
Composition of the First Batch
According to official figures cited by Beyond Time News, the first group included:
- 3,707 men
- 816 women
- 16 children
- 246 sadhus
- 37 sadhvis
The convoy travelled through the Navyug Tunnel before proceeding to the Baltal and Nunwan base camps.
Security and Travel Arrangements
Authorities have implemented extensive travel and security arrangements for the pilgrimage.
The annual yatra typically involves coordinated transportation, medical facilities, traffic management, and emergency response services along both routes to support thousands of pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage season.
Officials continue to monitor weather conditions and road accessibility, as the mountain routes can present challenges due to changing terrain and climate.
About the Amarnath Yatra
The Amarnath Yatra is one of Hinduism’s major annual pilgrimages, attracting devotees from across India and abroad.
Pilgrims travel to the Amarnath Cave, located at an altitude of over 3,800 metres in the Himalayas, where a naturally formed ice stalagmite is revered by devotees as a sacred symbol associated with Lord Shiva.
The pilgrimage is conducted during the summer because the high-altitude routes remain inaccessible for much of the year due to heavy snowfall.
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Why the Pilgrimage Matters
The Amarnath Yatra holds deep religious significance for millions of Hindu devotees and contributes to seasonal economic activity in areas along the pilgrimage routes through transportation, hospitality, and local services.
Each year, authorities undertake extensive logistical planning to facilitate the movement of pilgrims while maintaining safety and public services.
Conclusion
The departure of the first batch of 4,822 pilgrims marks the beginning of this year’s Amarnath Yatra in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). As thousands more pilgrims are expected to undertake the journey in the coming weeks, authorities continue to oversee travel, safety, and logistical arrangements for one of the region’s largest annual religious events.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pilgrims began this year’s Amarnath Yatra?
According to officials, 4,822 pilgrims departed from Jammu in the first convoy.
Which routes are used for the Amarnath Yatra?
Pilgrims travel either through the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam route or the shorter 14-kilometre Baltal route.
Where is the Amarnath Cave located?
The cave is situated in the Himalayas in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) at an altitude of more than 3,800 metres.
Why is the Amarnath Yatra important?
It is one of Hinduism’s most significant annual pilgrimages, attracting devotees from across India and other countries.
How do authorities support the pilgrimage?
Authorities arrange transportation, security, healthcare services, traffic management, and emergency response throughout the pilgrimage season.
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