Jammu, Jul 18: The Amarnath Yatra resumed early Friday morning after a day-long suspension triggered by relentless rainfall and landslides in Kashmir. A fresh batch of 7,908 pilgrims departed from the Jammu base camp for the sacred 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine nestled in the Himalayas of South Kashmir.
The pilgrimage also recommenced from the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal. Officials confirmed that the pilgrims were escorted under tight security arrangements by CRPF and J&K Police. The 16th batch included 5,957 men, 1,613 women, 26 children, and 310 sadhus and sadhvis, all traveling in 261 vehicles from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp between 3:30 am and 4:25 am.
The Baltal-bound convoy, comprising 2,879 pilgrims in 92 vehicles, took the 14-kilometre shorter but steep route in Ganderbal district. The second convoy of 5,029 pilgrims in 169 vehicles proceeded via the traditional 48-kilometre-long Pahalgam route in Anantnag district.
With this latest movement, a total of 1,09,461 pilgrims have left from Jammu since July 2, when the first batch was flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Devotees chanting “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” filled the air with devotional energy, turning Jammu into a spiritual hub.
Over 4,000 fresh pilgrims also reached Jammu, lining up for spot registration at counters and being accommodated in various lodging centers. The turnout continues to grow, with more than 4 lakh people having registered online.
So far, 2.50 lakh pilgrims have offered prayers at the shrine since the Yatra commenced from the Valley on July 3. Last year, over 5.10 lakh devotees visited the cave, home to a naturally formed ice lingam.
The 38-day Yatra is set to conclude on August 9, with officials closely monitoring weather and security conditions to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Amarnath Yatra Resumes After Rain Disruption, Over 7900 Pilgrims Head to Holy Cave
