SRINAGAR – The annual Amarnath Yatra officially commenced today with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, flagging off the inaugural batch of pilgrims from the Baltal base camp. The air was filled with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole” as devotees began their spiritual journey to the holy Amarnath cave.
Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony, Divisional Commissioner Bidhuri underscored the significance of the Amarnath Yatra, calling it not just a religious pilgrimage but a “Yatra of the people.” He lauded the Ganderbal administration for the extensive preparations made to ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims. These arrangements include enhanced medical facilities, improved sanitation services, and stringent security measures.
The administration had warmly welcomed the first group of pilgrims upon their arrival, and the Divisional Commissioner extended his heartfelt wishes for a safe and spiritually enriching pilgrimage.
Also present at the event were Secretary, Science and Technology, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary (who is also the Nodal Officer for the Baltal axis), Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, SSP Ganderbal Khalil Poswal, and other senior officials.
Pilgrims expressed their contentment and enthusiasm regarding the arrangements in place.
The 38-day pilgrimage is set to conclude on August 9. Pilgrims have the option to choose between two routes: the longer, traditional 48-kilometer Pahalgam route in Anantnag district, or the shorter, steeper 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The initial group of pilgrims had departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2.
