Srinagar, Jul 24: The annual Amarnath Yatra continued on Thursday with around 9,000 pilgrims paying obeisance at the holy cave shrine, nestled in Himalayas, in Kashmir.
Officials told the news agency that with this, the cumulative figure of devotees who have undertaken the pilgrimage since its commencement on July 3 has reached 3.52 lakh. “A total of 9,482 pilgrims performed darshan at the sacred cave on Thursday. Among them were 6,805 men, 2,130 women, 137 children, 73 sadhus, 3 sadhvis, 4 transgender persons, and 330 security personnel,” they added.
While the footfall at the shrine remained good, the number of pilgrims departing from Jammu—the starting point for most yatris—has shown a consistent downward trend over the past few days.
From 7,908 pilgrims on July 18, the number dropped to 6,365 on July 19, 4,388 on July 20, 3,791 on July 21, 3,536 on July 22, 2,837 on July 23, and 3,500 on Thursday.
“Even though there is a slight decline in pilgrim turnout from Jammu, the overall yatra is proceeding without disruptions. All necessary facilities including shelter, food, medical assistance, and route security are fully operational,” an official said.
Of these, the first escorted convoy of 45 vehicles carrying 832 yatris left for the Baltal base camp, while the second convoy of 95 vehicles carrying 2,668 yatris left the Pahalgam base camp, officials said.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to conclude on August 9.
9 foreigners undertake Amarnath Yatra
Srinagar, Jul 24: Nine foreign nationals from six countries, including the United States, Germany, and Canada, have undertaken the annual Amarnath Yatra this year, reveal the figures available with the news agency.
“I am experiencing some beautiful geology and nature in Kashmir, and the immense energy of the holy cave,” said Ross Norman Leach, a Canadian pilgrim, after visiting the cave shrine located at an altitude of 3,880 metres.
Leach said his group had been preparing for the yatra for the past four to five years. “I had tears coming out of my eyes at the cave and a deep silence inside. The whole world is connected in these energies. Meeting Mahadev here — in deep silence, meeting consciousness — is very, very special,” he said.
Calling it a “very special experience,” Leach said the yatra is not just spiritual but transformative. “The trek is challenging; you must be ready for it. But it is very much worth it. If you get a chance, if you feel the call to come here, come. It is a powerful place,” he said.
Praising the arrangements and local hospitality, he said, “The hospitality has been amazing. I am very happy to be here.”
Another foreign devotee described the experience as deeply fulfilling. “We look forward to coming back at some point soon. It was wonderful, and we felt very taken care of, supported, and very safe,” he said—(KNO).
