Anantnag: The first batch of Yatris left for the holy cave from Nunwan base camp, Pahalgam, and Baltal base camp on Saturday morning.
Chanting religious hymns, hundreds of enthusiastic pilgrims were seen climbing mountains to reach the cave shrine housing the naturally formed ice-lingam.
Pilgrims lauded the arrangements made by the J&K government.
Ram Chander, a pilgrim from Maharashtra, said that he will pray for peace and prosperity for mankind.
“Our message to everyone will be that there is no fear, there are best security arrangements and anyone can come here without any problem as people here are very helpful,” he said.
He appreciated the hospitality and cooperation of the people.
“I have been paying obeisance at the cave shrine regularly for the past 10 years. This year too, I am going to seek peace and prosperity for mankind,” said another pilgrim from Chhattisgarh.
Officials said that around three lakh pilgrims have registered so far for the annual Amarnath Yatra.
The 62-day-long Yatra will conclude on August 31 this year.
