The serene valleys of Jammu and Kashmir are alive with the fervent chants of “Har Har Mahadev… Jai Baba Bholenath” as the much-anticipated Amarnath Yatra kicks off. This morning marked a significant moment for thousands of devotees who gathered to witness the first Mangala Aarti of the year at the sacred Amarnath cave, where they experienced the divine darshan of Baba Barfani. The atmosphere was electric with faith and devotion, as pilgrims from all walks of life joined in a collective celebration of spirituality.
The pilgrimage, which spans 38 days, will continue until August 14, drawing an impressive number of pilgrims. This year, so far over 330,000 pilgrims have registered to undertake the challenging journey to the revered shrine. The government has made extensive preparations for their safety and security, deploying 581 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), comprising around 42,000 personnel from various security agencies including CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. In a proactive measure against potential threats, a facial recognition system has been installed along the pilgrimage route to enhance security.
Despite the breathtaking beauty of the mountainous terrain, which poses its own challenges, the enthusiasm among devotees remains unwavering. However, a significant number of unregistered pilgrims have been seen at Pahalgam and Baltal, expressing frustration over their inability to register on-site. Registration centers in Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Baltal are currently experiencing heavy traffic as eager pilgrims seek to secure their spots for the journey ahead.
In adherence to Supreme Court guidelines and established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has capped daily pilgrimages at 15,000—7,500 for each route—ensuring a manageable flow of devotees. On-the-spot registration is limited to only 1,000 pilgrims daily from both routes when advance registration quotas are not met.
The spirit of devotion continues to shine brightly in the Valley, with chants of “Bol Bam” echoing through the air. The Amarnath Yatra remains not just a pilgrimage but a profound experience that unites people in their shared faith and reverence for Baba Barfani.
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