Pilgrims Brave Weather for Amarnath Yatra: First-Time Visitors Share Experiences
A new group of pilgrims departed from Srinagar to Pahalgam for the Amarnath Yatra on Sunday morning despite bad weather conditions. Pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and hoped for better weather to complete their journey.
First-Time Visitors Share Their Experiences
Sarad Pradhan, a pilgrim from Shillong, shared, “I have come here for the first time with my wife. The arrangements are very good, and I am pleased with the developments made here. I hope the weather improves so we can complete our journey.”
Sunita Upadhyay, another pilgrim from Shillong, remarked, “This is my first visit here. I want to thank the security teams and the local people for their efforts in ensuring the safety of all pilgrims.”
A pilgrim from Karnataka added, “I have come here to offer prayers to Baba. I am travelling to Pahalgam on my bike. The arrangements are really good.”
Weather and Security Challenges
Traffic on the Baltal route was suspended on Sunday due to bad weather conditions. Earlier on Saturday, another batch had also left for the Amarnath Yatra.
The Yatra, conducted 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. Baltal serves as the camping ground for pilgrims.
The Yatra, which officially began on June 29 from the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, is scheduled to conclude on August 19. This year, the Amarnath Yatra is taking place amidst a significant increase in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, on July 24, Inspector General of Police Kashmir VK Birdi convened a joint security review meeting at Nunwan Base Camp, Pahalgam. The IGP directed all security agencies to coordinate closely to ensure a safe and secure Amarnath Yatra. The meeting also addressed strategies to counter terrorism and maintain law and order, highlighting the commitment of all stakeholders to the safety and security of the Yatra pilgrims.
Devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this challenging 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 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.
Pahalgam -: Pahalgam is a town in Jammu and Kashmir, known as a starting point for the Amarnath Yatra.
Sarad Pradhan -: Sarad Pradhan is one of the pilgrims mentioned in the summary. He is from Shillong, a city in the northeastern part of India.
Sunita Upadhyay -: Sunita Upadhyay is another pilgrim mentioned in the summary. She is also from Shillong.
Shillong -: Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya, a state in northeastern India.
Baltal route -: The Baltal route is one of the two main paths to reach the Amarnath Cave. It was closed due to bad weather.
Terror threats -: Terror threats mean there are dangers from people who might want to harm others. Extra security is in place to protect the pilgrims.
Security measures -: Security measures are actions taken to keep people safe, like having more police or checking bags.
