The Amarnath Yatra is an important annual pilgrimage for devotees, and this year marked the departure of the first batch of pilgrims amidst tight security measures. On June 28, 2024, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir flagged off the first group of 4,603 pilgrims from the Yatri Niwas base camp in Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu. As the pilgrims left for the twin base camps in Kashmir, including north Kashmir’s Baltal and south Kashmir’s Anantnag, they were accompanied by chants of Bum Bum Bhole and Har Har Mahadev. The 52-day journey will begin from the traditional routes of Nunwan-Pahalgam and Baltal on June 29 and conclude on August 19.
The pilgrims embarked on their spiritual journey in a convoy of 231 vehicles, under the escort of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, ensuring their safety throughout the pilgrimage. The ultimate destination for these devotees is the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine of Lord Shiva in the south Kashmir Himalayas. Each year, tens of thousands of pilgrims undertake this sacred journey to one of Hinduism’s most revered shrines.
In preparation for the yatra, comprehensive security measures have been implemented, including three-tier security systems, area dominations, route deployment, and checkpoints to facilitate a smooth and secure pilgrimage experience. Traffic restrictions have been enforced on various routes from June 28 to August 19, with daily advisories issued to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of all participants.
This year, more than 3.50 lakh individuals registered for the Amarnath Yatra, highlighting the significance and popularity of this spiritual endeavor. Furthermore, 125 community kitchens (langars) have been established along the pilgrimage routes, supported by over 6,000 volunteers, to provide essential services and sustenance to the pilgrims. The arrangements made serve to enhance the overall experience of the journey and contribute to the well-being of all participants. The Amarnath Yatra represents a profound spiritual and cultural tradition that brings together devotees from different backgrounds and regions to seek blessings and embark on a sacred pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Baba Amarnath.
Thus, with the departure of the first batch of pilgrims for the 2024 Amarnath Yatra, the journey represents not only a religious pilgrimage but also a significant cultural and communal celebration that unites devotees in their spiritual quest.
