| More than 11,000 pilgrims leave for Amarnath, over 12,000 pay obeisance | | |
Early Times Report
Srinagar, July 3:More than 11,000 pilgrims left Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam base camps for holy Amarnath cave shrine, where over 12,000 yatris have paid obeisance till this afternoon as the 59-day-long pilgrimage commenced yesterday. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra, who is also chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), were among the first to pay obeisance and have darshan of the self-made Ice-Shivlingam at the holy cave, situated at 13,500 feet in south Kashmir Himalayas. An official of the Yatra Control Room (YCR) told that the yatra was going on smoothly and the weather was also pleasant.
He said a fresh batch of 5,153 pilgrims, including 774 women and 105 sadhus left Nunwan Pahalgam base camp early this morning for Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on 45-km-long traditional track. However, those who had night halt at Chandanwari also left for next halting station early this morning, he said.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Bashir Ahmad Khan said the traditional track is in good position though pilgrims had to cross some portion over snow. He said adequate arrangements had been made for the smooth and peaceful pilgrimage through this track.
Meanwhile, 5,963 pilgrims, including 1,196 women, 61 children and 39 sadhus left Baltal base camp early this morning, he said.
Majority of them had since reached the Cave shrine to have the darshan of the self-made Ice-Shivlingam this afternoon after covering the 16-km-long track on foot and horse backs or dandies.
Official said on the 1st day of the yatra, 8,401 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy cave yesterday. A number of pilgrims have returned to base camp and are now visiting tourist place in the Valley. |
|
