Pilgrims Begin Amarnath Yatra Journey from Pantha Chowk, Srinagar
A new group of pilgrims has started their Amarnath Yatra from Pantha Chowk, Srinagar, heading towards Baltal and Pahalgam base camps. Despite increased security due to recent terror attacks, pilgrims like Madhu from Haryana and another from Bir praised the arrangements and encouraged others to visit.
The Amarnath Yatra, organized by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, began on June 29 and will conclude on August 19, lasting 52 days.
Heightened Security Measures
This year’s pilgrimage is taking place amid a significant increase in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Unprecedented security measures, including electronic surveillance and access control, have been implemented to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
Traffic Advisory
The state traffic police issued an advisory on July 6 for National Highway 44, detailing cut-off timings and instructions for convoy and non-convoy movements to ensure safe travel for the pilgrims.
Pilgrims’ Experiences
Madhu, a pilgrim from Haryana, shared, “We have come here to take the blessings of Baba. Our base camp is in Baltal and we are going there. The arrangements here are really nice. Everyone should come here once.” Another pilgrim from Bir said, “The weather this year is really nice and all the arrangements made are good. The crowd is however less this year. I am very excited. Everyone should come to visit.”
Doubts Revealed
Pilgrims -: Pilgrims are people who travel to a holy place for religious reasons. In this case, they are traveling to the Amarnath Cave, which is a sacred place for Hindus.
Amarnath Yatra -: The Amarnath Yatra is a religious journey that Hindus take to visit the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir, where they worship a naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam.
Pantha Chowk -: Pantha Chowk is a place in Srinagar, which is the largest city and summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Srinagar -: Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, a region in northern India.
Baltal -: Baltal is one of the base camps for the Amarnath Yatra. It is a starting point for pilgrims to begin their trek to the Amarnath Cave.
Pahalgam -: Pahalgam is another base camp for the Amarnath Yatra. It is a scenic town in Jammu and Kashmir and serves as a starting point for the pilgrimage.
Terror attacks -: Terror attacks are violent acts meant to create fear and are usually carried out by groups with political or religious motives. In this context, it means there have been recent violent incidents in the area.
Haryana -: Haryana is a state in northern India. It is known for its rich culture and history.
Bir -: Bir is a village in Himachal Pradesh, India, known for its Tibetan monasteries and paragliding spots.
Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board -: The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board is an organization that manages the Amarnath Yatra and takes care of the facilities and arrangements for the pilgrims.
June 29 -: June 29 is the date when the Amarnath Yatra started this year.
August 19 -: August 19 is the date when the Amarnath Yatra will end this year.
52 days -: 52 days is the total duration of the Amarnath Yatra this year, from June 29 to August 19.
