Srinagar, June 28: In a gesture of hospitality, the first batch of ShriAmarnathjiYatra pilgrims was warmly received by Deputy Commissioner (DC), Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, as they reached PanthaChowk in Srinagar on Friday. The inaugural group of pilgrims embarking on the sacred AmarnathYatra was greeted with an enthusiastic reception from local authorities.
Deputy Commissioner,Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Senior Superintendent of Police, (SSP), Srinagar,Ashish Kumar Mishra, and other civil and police officials were present to extend their greetings to the pilgrims.
“The AmarnathYatra is a significant event for us, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of all pilgrims,” stated Dr.Bhat. “We welcome all the devotees with open hearts and are here to support them throughout their journey,” he added.
The district administration has put in place comprehensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the Yatra. These preparations include enhanced security measures, medical facilities, and logistical support to cater to the needs of the pilgrims. DrBhat assured that the pilgrims can embark on their spiritual journey to the Amarnath cave with the confidence that local authorities are committed to their well-being and safety.
At Baltal, local service providers, including Kashmiri Muslims, welcomed the pilgrims. “We are eagerly waiting for the pilgrimage as it is directly or indirectly associated with our livelihood,” said Irshad Ahmad, a local service provider. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has enhanced facilities at the Baltal base camp, promising an improved experience for the devotees.
The 52-day-long pilgrimage, officially beginning on June 29 and concluding on August 19, the day of ShravanPurnima, attracts lakhs of devotees who trek through the challenging terrain of the south Kashmir Himalayas to the Holy Cave Shrine of ShriAmarnathJi.
The pilgrimage is not only a spiritual journey but also a significant event for the local economy, with the local community playing a vital role in facilitating the event.
Meanwhile, the first batch for both axes—Pahalgam and Baltal—received a warm welcome at the Navyug Tunnel (BanihalQazigund Tunnel) from civil society and the Kulgam administration, and similarly at Nunwan base camp from the Anantnag administration along with police administration.
Deputy Commissioner (DC),Kulgam, Aathar Amir Khan, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kulgam, SahilSarangal, along with other dignitaries and civil society members, were present at Qazigund to greet the pilgrims on their way to Amarnath for the annual pilgrimage.
Akshay Kumar, a pilgrim, told Rising Kashmir that they had good facilities at their disposal, better police protection, and good food arrangements. Kumar mentioned that they were traveling via the Baltal axis and were very happy and enthusiastic about the pilgrimage to Baba Barfani.
Amid tight security, the Amarnath pilgrims made their way to Baltal and Pahalgam. The first batch traveling via the Baltal axis arrived an hour earlier than the Pahalgam axis batch. The Pahalgam axis batch received a warm welcome at Nunwan base camp from Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, SyeedFakhrudin Hamid, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantnag, SandeepChakravarti, along with other officers and officials.
Taking to the microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), DC Kulgam wrote, “Received the first batch of ShriAmarnathji pilgrims at the Navyug Tunnel, Qazigund, as they entered the Kashmir valley. Local citizens, trade fraternity, and civil society members extended a warm welcome!”
