Fresh Batch of Over 6,000 Pilgrims Departs for Amarnath Shrine

Jammu, July 16 – A new group of 6,064 pilgrims departed from Jammu on Wednesday to embark on the sacred Amarnath Yatra in the south Kashmir Himalayas, officials said.

Among the pilgrims were 1,511 women. The devotees were escorted in two heavily guarded convoys, heading toward the twin base camps at Nunwan-Pahalgam (Anantnag) and Baltal (Ganderbal).

Of the total, 3,593 pilgrims in 139 vehicles opted for the Pahalgam route, while 2,471 pilgrims in 95 vehicles chose the Baltal route.

The 38-day pilgrimage began on July 3 via both routes and will conclude on August 9, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival.

So far, over 2.35 lakh devotees have paid obeisance at the cave shrine, which houses the naturally formed ice Shivling.