Srinagar, Jul 2: The first batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra received a warm welcome on entering the Kashmir Valley on Thursday, with officials showering flower petals and greeting devotees amid elaborate security arrangements.
The batch of 4,822 pilgrims was flagged off earlier in the day by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu before proceeding towards the Valley in a secured convoy.
As the convoy passed through the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district under a multi-tier security cover, senior police and civil administration officials welcomed the pilgrims with garlands, flower bouquets and flower petals.
Among those who received the yatris were Inspector General of CRPF and Deputy Inspector General, South Kashmir Range, Javid Iqbal Matoo, along with other officials.
The pilgrims later moved in separate convoys towards the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, from where they will begin the trek to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine early on Friday.
The 57-day annual pilgrimage will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28. Pilgrims can undertake the yatra through the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district or the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. (Agencies)
