First batch of Amarnath pilgrims leave for yatra from Jammu

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The first batch of over 2,200 pilgrims of the annual Amarnath Yatra left the Bhagwati Nagar-base camp in Jammu for the Kashmir Valley this morning, amidst tight security. 

The pilgrims, 1,839 men, 333 women, 17 children and 45 Sadhus and Sadhvis’ left the base camp in a cavalcade of 93 vehicles. 

“The first batch was formally flagged off by the Advisor to J&K Governor K.K.Sharma amid the chanting of mantras after the special puja performed at the Base camp around 4:30 am today. 

This year’s 46 day’s annual pilgrimage to Shri Amarnath Cave Shrine in Kashmir Valley is commencing from tomorrow. In the wake of the pilgrimage, security has been beefed up on Lakhanpur-Jammu and Jammu-Srinagar highways to facilitate the smooth conduct.

Inspector General  CRPF A.V. Chauhan told AIR  that adequate number of CRPF, state police and armed police personnel have been deployed in Jammu city and on highways. 

The convoy of vehicles ferrying pilgrims from Jammu base camp to Srinagar were being escorted by the security personnel. The annual Amarnath pilgrimage is undertaken by pilgrims from all over the country to reach the cave shrine, devoted to Lord Shiva, at an altitude of 13,500 feet.