Jammu, Jul 21: A new group of over 3,700 pilgrims departed from Jammu on Monday for the sacred Amarnath Yatra, heading towards the twin base camps nestled in the South Kashmir Himalayas. The journey, under robust security cover provided by CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police, continues to draw thousands despite a recent dip in turnout.
Since the commencement of the yatra on July 3, more than 3 lakh devotees have offered prayers at the revered ice lingam of Lord Shiva at the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine. The latest group of 3,791 pilgrims — including men, women, children, sadhus, sadhvis, and a transgender pilgrim — left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in 148 vehicles in the early hours of the morning.
The first convoy, consisting of 1,208 pilgrims in 52 vehicles, proceeded via the shorter and steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The second convoy, with 2,583 pilgrims in 96 vehicles, took the longer 48-kilometre traditional route through Pahalgam in Anantnag district.
Recent days have seen a noticeable decline in the number of pilgrims joining the yatra. From 7,908 pilgrims on July 18, the figure dropped to 6,365 on July 19 and further to 4,388 on July 20. Today’s departure of 3,791 pilgrims marks the lowest turnout so far.
Officials have also observed a dip in footfall at on-the-spot registration counters. However, interest in the pilgrimage remains high, with over 4 lakh devotees having registered online to date. Last year, the pilgrimage saw a total of 5.10 lakh participants.
The 38-day spiritual journey is scheduled to conclude on August 9.
Amarnath Yatra: Fresh Batch of 3,700+ Pilgrims leave for Holy Cave from Jammu
