Jammu, July 7: The largest batch of pilgrims so far this year, comprising 8,815 devotees, including 31 foreign nationals, left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu on Tuesday for the annual Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir amid elaborate security arrangements.
Officials said the sixth convoy of pilgrims departed in the early hours under multi-tier security for the twin routes leading to the holy cave shrine nestled at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the south Kashmir Himalayas.
The batch included 5,831 men, 2,193 women, 31 children, 598 sadhus, 131 sadhvis, and 31 foreign pilgrims, making it the biggest contingent to leave the Jammu base camp since the pilgrimage began.
With the departure of the latest batch, the number of pilgrims travelling to the revered shrine has continued to rise steadily.
Officials said more than 93,000 devotees had offered prayers at the Amarnath cave shrine during the first four days of the pilgrimage, with the cumulative figure expected to cross the one-lakh mark later in the day.
Authorities have made extensive arrangements, including enhanced security, traffic regulation, medical facilities and logistical support, to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
The 38-day Amarnath Yatra is being conducted via the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter Baltal route in Ganderbal district under heightened security. (Agencies)
