Shri Amarnath Yatra: Pilgrim numbers to break all previous records this year   

Srinagar, July 25:  Faith comes alive at Amarnath cave shrine as more than 3.20 lakh pilgrims had a darshan of holy Shiv Lingum in the first 23 days of the pilgrimage.

The number is 83,000 more than the corresponding period last year. The yatra began on July 1 and it will culminate on Raksha Bandhan on August 31.

With 37 more days to go, the number is expected to break all previous records. Last year, 3.65 lakh yatries visited the cave shrine in 44 days of pilgrimage. It was the highest figure since 2016.

Thanks to `impeccable arrangements’, the confidence of yatries has increased to such levels that even foreign pilgrims and celebrities have made a beeline to the cave shrine without an iota of fear. From Siana Nehwal to Sara Ali Khan and from Sai Pallavi to American pilgrims, the Shiv Bakhts from across the world descended on the Himalayas to have a darshan of the Ice Lingam.

Unlike past, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has been personally monitoring the yatra arrangements ever since the dates were announced.

“I met the pilgrims at base camp and they are very happy. This will boost the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. Foreigners too are coming. There has been a major boost to tourism as well.  it’s a tough task to make roads and arrange facilities like power, water, food, health etc at 13,000 feet but Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, administration, Army, JKP, paramilitary forces, and other agencies have been working 24×7 for the purpose,” said Sinha.

This year administration is sensitive to the needs of pilgrims, responsive, and has ensured better arrangements for hassle-free pilgrimage. From security forces to civilian officials, the administration has been on its toes to ensure a comfortable journey for the pilgrims.

“I can’t express my emotions in words.  It has been a dream come true,” an emotional yatra said amid chants of Bam Bam Bole.

This year, the government has used electronic media to disseminate information to avoid any inconvenience to the pilgrims. Private FM radio stations are giving out information to the yatries so that they can plan their journey accordingly. Security forces have made three-tier arrangements to ensure safety. Drones and technology are being used to ensure security.

“I am extremely proud of the entire team, Shrine Board, JKP, CAPFs, Army, BRO, NDRF, SDRF, Mountain Rescue Teams, service providers, and citizens for commendable work and ensuring smooth conduct of the yatra. Through our solidarity, resolve, and preparation, we’ll overcome any future challenges,” said Sinha.

Situated at 3,888 meters, the holy Amarnath cave is accessible from two routes in Kashmir Valley. The 46-km Pahalgam–Holy cave trek is an ancient pilgrimage route that is covered in five days. There lies the ice lingam of Lord Shiva that is formed naturally and waxes and wanes with the moon. The pilgrims now prefer the 14-kilometer Baltal-Holy cave route since it is shorter though steep, and the journey can be completed in a day.