Pilgrims Begin Amarnath Yatra from Srinagar Base Camp
A new group of pilgrims has started their journey from the Srinagar base camp to Baltal and Pahalgam for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. A pilgrim shared, “Safety comes first, so coming to camp is better, you will get all facilities free; washrooms are clean and hygienic. So we are thinking of a stay while returning too.”
She added, “I feel lucky to be part of this yatra, few people get this chance. We go through some difficulties but it feels good when we take the darshan of Bhole Baba (Lord Shiva). I wish people to be happy, wars and conflicts should be reduced.”
The Yatra, organized by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, is divided into two routes: one through Pahalgam and the other through Baltal in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. The pilgrimage began on June 29 and will conclude on August 19.
This year, the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amid a significant increase in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. On July 24, Inspector General of Police Kashmir, VK Birdi, held a joint security review meeting at Nunwan Base Camp, Pahalgam. He directed all security agencies to work closely to ensure a safe and secure Yatra. The meeting focused on strategies to counter terrorism and maintain law and order, underscoring the commitment to the safety of the pilgrims.
Devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this annual pilgrimage to the holy cave located in the South Kashmir Himalayas.
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 to worship Lord Shiva.
Amarnath Yatra -: The Amarnath Yatra is a religious journey that Hindus take to visit the Amarnath cave, where they believe Lord Shiva resides. It is a very important pilgrimage for them.
Srinagar -: Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, a region in northern India. It is known for its beautiful lakes and gardens.
Base Camp -: A base camp is a place where people start their journey from. In this case, the pilgrims start their Amarnath Yatra from the Srinagar base camp.
Baltal -: Baltal is one of the routes that pilgrims take to reach the Amarnath cave. It is a shorter but steeper route compared to the Pahalgam route.
Pahalgam -: Pahalgam is another route that pilgrims take to reach the Amarnath cave. It is longer but less steep compared to the Baltal route.
Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board -: The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board is an organization that manages the Amarnath Yatra. They make sure everything is organized and safe for the pilgrims.
Terror Attacks -: Terror attacks are violent acts done by groups to create fear and chaos. In Jammu and Kashmir, there have been such attacks, but security measures are in place to protect the pilgrims.
Security Measures -: Security measures are actions taken to keep people safe. For the Amarnath Yatra, this includes having police and soldiers to protect the pilgrims.
Lord Shiva -: Lord Shiva is one of the main gods in Hinduism. He is known as the destroyer and transformer and is very important to many Hindus.
South Kashmir Himalayas -: The South Kashmir Himalayas are a mountain range in the southern part of Kashmir. The Amarnath cave is located in these mountains.
