Despite the recent terror attacks, a fresh batch of 3,500 pilgrims left for Jammu and Kashmir Valley to perform the Annual Amarnath Yatra on Thursday.
As confirmed by an official, a batch of 3,500 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at 3.25 a.m. The convoy consisted of 153 vehicles of piligrims and escorts.
Closed Jammu-Shrinagar highway
- The Jammu –Srinagar highway was closed on Wednesday due to landslides triggered by heavy rains in the panthal sector of Ranban District.
- However, it was restored in the evening for traffic.
- There is no decrement in the number of devotees leaving for the Amarnath Yatra.
- Despite the terror attack on Monday in which seven pilgrims were killed and 19 pilgrims were injured.
- The shrine of lord Shiva is located at 3,888 meters above the sea level.
- Devotees believe that the ice structure has mythical powers.
- More than 1.68 lakh pilgrims have reached the shrine this year.
Special care taken for the safety of pilgrims
- The pilgrims convoy are advised by the authorities to cross the Jawahar tunnel before 3.30 p.m as a precaution.
- The authorities want the pilgrims to reach the base camp of Pahalgam and Baltal before sunset.
- Amarnath yatra is a 20 day long voyage to the Himalyan cave shrine.
- The journey started on 29 June and will end on august 7 on the day of Shravan Purnima .
- After Shravan Purnima, festival of Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated.