Pilgrims Begin Amarnath Yatra from Srinagar Amid Tight Security
On Thursday morning, a new group of pilgrims departed from the Pantha Chowk Base Camp in Srinagar to begin their journey in the Amarnath Yatra. The pilgrims are heading towards the base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam, where they will connect with their faith and seek blessings.
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board organizes the Amarnath Yatra, which has two routes: one through Pahalgam and the other through Baltal. Baltal serves as the camping ground for pilgrims in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sheetal Diwakar, a devotee from Mumbai, said, “With the blessings of Bholenath, we will be leaving for Baltal. The services are very good; we did not face any problems, and I would recommend everyone to seek the blessing from Baba Bholenath at least once in their life.”
Another devotee from Vadodara in Gujarat said, “This is the second time I have come here. The services provided, as well as the security, are very good. Anyone with courage and bravery should undertake this yatra. For the Sanatan Dharma, this yatra is crucial, and I urge the people of the Sanatan Dharma to do this yatra at least once in their lives.”
This year, the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amid a significant increase in the number of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. On Monday, July 15, a brief exchange of fire occurred between security forces and terrorists in the Bhatta area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, resulting in the loss of four soldiers. Another encounter took place in the Kastigarh area of Doda district.
The Jammu and Kashmir police and the army have been working together to search for terrorists in those areas. The yatra started on June 29 and will end on August 19, lasting 52 days. Devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this arduous annual pilgrimage to the holy cave located in the Kashmir Himalayas.
Doubts Revealed
Pilgrims -: Pilgrims are people who travel to a holy place for religious reasons. In this case, they are going to the Amarnath Cave.
Amarnath Yatra -: The Amarnath Yatra is a pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir, where a naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam is worshipped.
Srinagar -: Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, a region in northern India.
Pantha Chowk Base Camp -: Pantha Chowk Base Camp is a starting point in Srinagar where pilgrims gather before beginning their journey to the Amarnath Cave.
Baltal and Pahalgam -: Baltal and Pahalgam are two different base camps from where pilgrims can start their trek to the Amarnath Cave.
Terror attacks -: Terror attacks are violent acts meant to create fear, often for political reasons. In Jammu and Kashmir, such attacks have been a problem.
Security forces -: Security forces are groups like the police and army that work to keep people safe and protect the country from threats.
Encounters -: Encounters are clashes or fights between security forces and terrorists.
52-day pilgrimage -: The 52-day pilgrimage means the Amarnath Yatra lasts for 52 days, starting on June 29 and ending on August 19.