JAMMU, July 15: The annual Shri Baba Buddha Amarnath Yatra is likely to begin on August 17 and conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan, in Jammu and Kashmir’s border district of Poonch.
According to official sources, the 12-day pilgrimage will commence with the first batch of pilgrims leaving from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the shrine in Poonch.
Authorities expect a large number of devotees to participate in this year’s pilgrimage, and preparations are underway to ensure its smooth and safe conduct.
The district administration is making arrangements for langars, accommodation, sanitation, medical facilities, drinking water, electricity, parking, public address systems, waterproof tents, drainage and security along the pilgrimage route.
Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma, who recently reviewed the preparations, assured that all necessary arrangements would be completed before the start of the Yatra.
Shri 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vishwatmanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj said shortcomings observed during previous editions of the pilgrimage would be addressed to provide improved facilities for devotees.
Senior Superintendent of Police Shafket Hussain Bhat said elaborate security arrangements would be put in place to ensure the peaceful conduct of the Yatra.
The Baba Buddha Amarnath Temple, located in the scenic Loran Valley of Poonch district at an altitude of about 4,600 feet, is around 290 kilometres from Jammu. According to religious belief, the pilgrimage to Shri Amarnath is considered incomplete without paying obeisance at Baba Buddha Amarnath.
