Shri Amarnath ji Yatra-2024 begins with spiritual chants & tight security

Ganderbal, June 29: The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) commenced on Saturday morning amidst chants of ‘HarHarMahadev’ and ‘Bam BamBhole’, resonating through the valleys of South Kashmir. The pilgrimage, reaching the Amarnath Cave at 13,500 feet above sea level, spans 52 days this year, culminating with a special pooja on August 19.
Flag-off ceremonies were held at Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district and NunwanPahalgam base camp in Anantnag district. District Development Commissioner of Ganderbal, Shyambir, accompanied by SSP Sandeep Gupta and other officials, initiated the Yatra from Baltal at 4 am under pleasant weather conditions. Simultaneously, the District Development Commissioner of Anantnag flagged off pilgrims from NunwanPahalgam base camp.
Stringent security measures have been implemented along both routes, overseen by paramilitary forces like CRPF, BSF, and local police, to ensure pilgrim safety. A three-tier security arrangement is in place from Jammu base camp to the Amarnath Cave.
The first batch of pilgrims for SANJY-2024 was flagged off from Domail, Baltal base camp by Deputy Commissioner Shyambir, Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Gupta, and other officials. Enthusiastic pilgrims embarked on their journey, chanting hymns and displaying deep spiritual fervor as they moved towards the holy Cave of Lord Shiva.
Comprehensive arrangements, including essential amenities, healthcare services, and robust security measures, have been meticulously arranged from Baltal to Panjtarni to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience. The administration is committed to providing a comfortable and spiritually enriching journey for all devotees participating in this sacred pilgrimage.
More than 13,000 pilgrims visited the holy cave shrine of Amarnath on Saturday, the first day of the annual pilgrimage in the south Kashmir Himalayas that is being conducted amid tight security.
The first batch of pilgrims had left the twin base camps in Baltal and Nunwan to start their journey to the cave shrine located at an altitude of 3,880 metres.