The first batch of pilgrims for the annual Amarnath Yatra received a warm welcome as they reached the Kashmir Valley on Thursday, officials said.
Flag-off Ceremony in Jammu
The batch of 4,822 pilgrims was flagged off earlier in the day by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu.
As the convoy entered the Valley through the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district under tight multi-tier security cover, they received a rousing welcome, officials said.
Warm Reception in Kashmir
Police and civil administration officials, including the IG CRPF and DIG South Kashmir Range Javid Iqbal Matoo, greeted the pilgrims with garlands, flower bouquets and petals. Locals also gathered to welcome the pilgrims near the Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel.
The convoys later proceeded separately towards the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, from where pilgrims will begin the onward journey early Friday to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine.
Pilgrimage Details
The 57-day pilgrimage will begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28. Devotees can take either the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag or the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
The Amarnath Yatra is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages, drawing thousands of devotees each year to the cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
