Srinagar, July 05: When a yatri from Uttar Pradesh reached Baltal, she was pleasantly surprised to find the administration welcoming pilgrims. From security forces to civilian officials, the administration was on its toes to ensure a comfortable journey for the pilgrims.
“I have been waiting for this day. I was the first among those who registered for the yatra. I can’t express my emotions in words,” she said amid chants of Bam Bam Bole.
Unlike past, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has been personally monitoring the yatra arrangements ever since the dates were announced. Sinha visited Baltal, Nunwan, and Chandanwari base camps and reviewed the arrangements.
“Shri Amarnath Yatra holds great relevance in our tradition and it is a symbol of peace, harmony, and inclusive growth. I could feel the ecstatic joy of pilgrims at Baltal, who were getting ready for Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage,” he said
DRDO has set up two 100-bed hospitals with the latest equipment. This is for the first time that such big hospitals have been set up. Earlier small make-shift dispensaries and health centers were established for pilgrims
This year, the government has used electronic media to disseminate information to avoid any inconvenience to the pilgrims. Private FM radio stations are giving out information to the yatris so that they can plan their journey accordingly. Security forces have made three-tier arrangements to ensure safety. Drones and technology are being used to ensure security.
Langar organizations have been asked to serve only nutritious and healthy meals to the pilgrims en route to the cave shrine. The SASB has also circulated a menu (permitted, banned), applicable to all langar organizations, food stalls, shops, and other establishments to remain operational during the yatra period.
Around 49,207 yatris had darshan of holy lingum at the cave shrine in the first four days of the yatra. Such are the arrangements that some pilgrims have from Nepal to have a darshan of holy lingum at the cave shrine. “We are thrilled by the love and affection showered by the local people. The arrangements are impeccable,” said a yatri from Nepal.
Situated at 3,888 meters, the holy Amarnath cave is accessible from two routes in Kashmir Valley. The 46-km Pahalgam–Holy cave trek is an ancient pilgrimage route that is covered in five days. There lies the ice lingam of Lord Shiva that is formed naturally and waxes and wanes with the moon. The pilgrims now prefer the 14-kilometer Baltal-Holy cave route since it is shorter though steep, and the journey can be completed in a day.
Mahant Deependra Giri said this year holy Shivlingam at the cave shrine is in full glory. The yatra to the holy shrine began on July 1 and it will culminate on Raksha Bandhan on August 31.
“World’s eyes are on J&K, as we celebrate the annual yatra. All the concerned authorities should work together to give a warm welcome and memorable experience to the pilgrims,” Lt Governor said.
