In a bid to ensure smooth & successful annual Yatra through active participation and support, the locals of Kashmir Division have welcomed the commencement of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and vouched to facilitate by extending their services along the both axis of Holy Cave- Pahalgam Axis & Baltal Axis.
The locals believe that SANJY has been a galvanizing factor to attract religious tourists which works to leverage the economic prosperity of the people and the region.
The continuous yearly surge in the influx of religious pilgrims sends the positive vibes in the public circles as people affiliated with different sectors and industries find opportunity to earn income by decorating stalls on Highway and at Base Camps.
The presentation of craft products, artifact and master pieces of Handloom and Handicraft items by artisans, Self Help Groups, traders besides selling of local dry & fresh fruits on stalls has been promising the good income to the concerned stakeholders.
The transporters ferrying yatries said that they have been eagerly waiting for the start of Amarnath Yatra as this is the period when they earn good income to support their families and save money.
The flamboyant display of recurring services points with devotion implies the warm welcome people extend to Yatra. The welcome hoardings installed along the National Highway and other important roads used by pilgrims to visit Holy Cave convey broader services and arrangements made by the UT government and other stakeholders.
This year SASB and administration have made tremendous efforts to ensure that pilgrims enjoy a comfortable journey by providing all basic necessities like traffic management, health care, communication and langer facilities. This yatra or pilgrimages is centuries old and has been part of coexistence based on various religions in Kashmir. Local people have always welcomed the yatra as they get benefitted as far as the economy is concerned. But the larger symbolic value of yatra is that it has been an example of inclusiveness that has survived despite many challenges in the past.
(Author is columnist and public speaker)
