Srinagar

Over 1100 devotees had ‘Darshan’ inside the Amarnath Cave shrine on the first day of the Yatra, which commenced on Saturday.

Officials reported that over 1100 devotees had Darshan inside the cave shrine around 11 am on Saturday. In the morning, batches of Yatris were seen off from the two base camps of Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) by district development commissioners and other senior officials, heading towards the Cave shrine located at an altitude of 3888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas. Tight security arrangements have been put in place along with medical aid, food supplies, and resting areas along the two routes from Baltal and Pahalgam to the cave shrine. Local residents are also assisting the Yatris, making the pilgrimage more convenient.

The extensive security measures, facilities provided by the administration, and the warm hospitality of the locals are notable features of this annual Yatra. Devotees returning from the pilgrimage reported that the ice stalagmite structure known as the holy ‘Lingam’ is fully formed inside the cave shrine this year.