Ganderbal, July 15: The ongoing Amarnath Yatra has witnessed an extraordinary surge in pilgrim attendance during the first two weeks, with both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes experiencing an unprecedented influx of devotees paying obeisance at the holy cave. Official sources have confirmed the remarkable turnout, highlighting the immense popularity and spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
On Friday, a staggering 24,445 pilgrims converged at the holy cave to seek blessings, while the number soared to over 15,000 on Saturday. The 15th day of the yatra witnessed an even greater surge, with more than one lakh individuals participating in the pilgrimage. These numbers indicate an extraordinary level of devotion and dedication among the devotees.
The enthusiasm surrounding the yatra was palpable, as a remarkable count of 199,000 pilgrims were reported to have attended Amarnath Cave on Friday evening alone. The morning departures on Saturday from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp saw two caravans carrying a total of 7,392 pilgrims. Among them, a convoy of 4,024 devotees embarked on the journey to Nunwan Pahalgam, while another convoy consisting of 3,368 pilgrims set out for Baltal.
The simultaneous surge of devotees on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes is an unprecedented occurrence. Delighted locals associated with the yatra expressed their joy and happiness, emphasizing that the extended duration of the two-month yatra has brought newfound opportunities to earn a livelihood.
Grateful for the administration’s efforts, the locals highlighted the availability of comprehensive facilities in both Pahalgam and Baltal. These arrangements ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for the devotees, as well as the local residents. Their satisfaction was evident as they expressed gratitude for the extended yatra duration, which promises significant economic benefits to the region.
As per their estimates, the first two weeks alone witnessed over one lakh devotees paying obeisance at the holy Shivlingam cave. This remarkable figure leads them to believe that by the end of the yatra, the total count of pilgrims will reach an impressive 800,000 to 900,000.
