Srinagar, July 2: Kashmir rolled out a red carpet for the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims.
The valley witnessed a joyful atmosphere as local authorities and residents warmly welcomed the first batch of pilgrims embarking on the annual Amarnath Yatra.
Srinagar district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labro,o along with Senior Superintendent of Police Sundeep Chakravarthy, on Wednesday warmly welcomed the first batch of pilgrims at Pantha Chowk.
This followed the formal commencement of the annual yatra, which was flagged from Jammu by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, as part of the significant spiritual journey undertaken by the devotees every year to the holy Amarnathji cave.
DC said the Amarnathji Yatra is a significant spiritual journey, and we are committed to ensuring the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage with the safety and comfort of all pilgrims.
He added that the District Administration Srinagar, along with Srinagar Police, have put in place comprehensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual Yatra and cater to the needs of the pilgrims.
Officials, along with locals, welcomed the Pilgrims and prayed for the smooth, safe, and peaceful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The first convoy of 5,892 pilgrims was earlier flagged off from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Upon their arrival in South Kashmir, the yatris were greeted with flower petals, garlands, sweets, and cheers at multiple points along the route.
At the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund, the entry point to Kashmir, the pilgrims were received by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir Range, and the Deputy Commissioner of Kulgam. Senior BJP leader Ravindra Raina also joined the reception, personally welcoming the pilgrims.
The 38-day-long pilgrimage will officially begin on Thursday, traversing both the 48-km traditional route via Pahalgam in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The Yatra is set to conclude on August 9.