Jammu: The administration has commenced the on-the-spot registration for devotees arriving for the Amarnath Yatra to the revered cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas. This move comes as part of comprehensive arrangements to facilitate the annual pilgrimage, which attracts thousands of devotees each year.

Tight Security Arrangements: Ensuring the safety of the pilgrims, security has been significantly heightened. Officials have confirmed that 1600 pilgrims have already reached the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu, preparing for their onward journey to the sacred site in Kashmir. The base camp continues to witness a growing influx of devotees, indicating the high enthusiasm and spiritual fervor surrounding the pilgrimage.

Arrival of Sadhus: Among the arrivals are over 800 Sadhus, including women, who have congregated at the traditional Ram Mandir and Geeta Bhawan. These holy men and women are filled with excitement and devotion as they prepare to pay obeisance at the 3,880-meter-high Amarnath cave shrine, renowned for its naturally formed ice-Shivling, a symbol of Lord Shiva.

Pilgrimage Details: The 52-day long pilgrimage is scheduled to commence on June 29. Pilgrims have the option to choose between two routes: the traditional 48 km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag, known for its scenic beauty and gradual ascent, and the shorter yet steeper 14 km Baltal route in Ganderbal, which offers a quicker but more challenging path.

First Batch Departure: The first batch of pilgrims is set to depart from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp and Ram Mandir for the Kashmir valley on Friday. This initial group will mark the beginning of the pilgrimage season, setting the tone for the weeks to come as thousands more are expected to follow in their footsteps.

The administration’s efforts to ensure smooth registration and safe passage reflect the significance of the Amarnath Yatra, both as a spiritual journey and a logistical undertaking. Devotees are urged to follow the guidelines and cooperate with the authorities to ensure a peaceful and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.