Pilgrims Begin Amarnath Yatra from Srinagar Amid Tight Security
On Friday morning, a new group of pilgrims departed from the Pantha Chowk Base Camp in Srinagar to begin their journey in the Amarnath Yatra. They 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.
Almost all the pilgrims visiting the holy shrine expressed satisfaction with the services provided for the journey. One first-time pilgrim said, “I am very happy to be part of the yatra. I had been planning it for a long time and this year I am able to do the yatra. The services are very good and I am happy to be here at the moment.”
This year, the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amid a significant increase in 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, as reported by the police on Thursday.
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
Amarnath Yatra -: The Amarnath Yatra is a religious journey that Hindus take to visit a holy cave in the Kashmir Himalayas where a special ice formation, believed to be a symbol of Lord Shiva, is found.
Srinagar -: Srinagar is a city in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for its beautiful lakes and gardens.
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 where pilgrims can start their trek to the Amarnath cave. Baltal is a shorter but steeper route, while Pahalgam is longer but more scenic.
Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board -: The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board is an organization that manages the Amarnath Yatra, ensuring that the pilgrimage is safe and well-organized.
Terror attacks -: Terror attacks are violent acts carried out by groups or individuals to create fear and chaos. In Jammu and Kashmir, there have been such attacks, which is why security is very tight during the yatra.
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India known for its beautiful mountains and valleys. It has faced conflicts and security issues in the past.
52-day journey -: The 52-day journey refers to the duration of the Amarnath Yatra, which lasts for 52 days from June 29 to August 19 each year.
Kashmir Himalayas -: The Kashmir Himalayas are a mountain range in the northern part of India, known for their stunning beauty and high peaks.