J&K Flags Off First Group of Pilgrims from Baltal to Sacred Amarnath Cave for Amarnath Yatra 2023
In a significant event, the Jammu and Kashmir administration commenced the Amarnath Yatra 2023 by flagging off the first batch of pilgrims from Baltal to the revered Amarnath Cave. Shyambir, the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, performed the ceremonial flag-off, extending his wishes for a safe journey to all the pilgrims.
He encouraged them to utilize the available facilities to their advantage. The initial group of devotees embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to the 3,880-meter-high cave shrine of Lord Shiva nestled in the scenic South Kashmir Himalayas.
The pilgrimage, spanning 62 days, began today in Kashmir through two routes. The traditional 48-kilometer Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter yet steep 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal district are the twin tracks chosen for the yatra.
Expressing his thoughts, Shyambir stated, “Today we are sending off the first batch of passengers from here. I wish everyone a happy journey. Passengers are requested to take advantage of all the facilities available to them. Currently, we have around 7,000 to 8,000 passengers, and the registration is still ongoing. Our volunteers are present everywhere to assist.”
As the devotees departed from Baltal, they were seen chanting religious slogans, displaying their deep devotion.
#WATCH जम्मू-कश्मीर: प्रशासन द्वारा अमरनाथ यात्रा के तीर्थयात्रियों के पहले जत्थे को बालटाल से दर्शन के लिए पवित्र गुफा की ओर रवाना किया गया। pic.twitter.com/WeKFsy42II
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Over 3,500 pilgrims have arrived in Jammu, ready to proceed towards Amarnath, and a comprehensive security setup has been established around the Bhagwati Nagar base camp. The CRPF troops, supported by the Army and police, will provide complete protection to the convoy carrying pilgrims on their journey from Jammu to Kashmir.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the yatri niwas base camp in Jammu on Thursday night to review the arrangements made for the pilgrims.
Meanwhile, a second batch comprising over 4,400 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp on Saturday, joining the secured convoy on their pilgrimage to the 3,888-meter-high Amarnath cave shrine.
With the morning departure of this group in a cavalcade of 188 vehicles, the total number of pilgrims from the Jammu base camp to the Amarnath cave shrine has reached 7,904.
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