Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2014 Commences from Baltal

Srinagar (Kashmir - J&K), June 28, 2014 - The pilgrimage to Shri Amaranathji Shrine Cave, in South Kashmir Himalayas, started today amidst chanting of Bam Bam Bolay and Har Har Mahadev with the first batch of pilgrims leaving Baltal base camp in the early hours of morning. ‘Bum Bum Bolay’ and ‘Baba Barfani ki Jai ho’ rented in the air as the first batch started their foot journey on the track, portion of which was still under snow.

Majority of pilgrims had reached Baltal base camp last evening from Jammu and had night stay at the base camp where adequate number of tents and langers were ready to receive Shri Amaranathji Yatra.

The entire base camp was under unprecedented security arrangements. Similarly, adequate numbers of security force personnel are deployed on the track to provide secure atmosphere to pilgrims, undertaking the pilgrimage to Shri Amaranathji. The authorities have also set up Medical facilities at every two kms interval for the pilgrims. The two month long Shri Amaranathji Yatra will conclude on Raksha Bandhan on 10 August, 2014.

However, the Shri Amarnathji Yatra could not be started from the traditional Pahalgam route which is still under snow while efforts are being made to open it within the next few days. Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has announced that those who are scheduled to undertake the pilgrimage through this traditional route till June 30 can travel via Baltal track if they so desire.

Earlier yesterday, the first batch of 1160 pilgrims left Jammu for the Holy cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji in South Kashmir Himalayas amid tight security. The batch comprised of 957 male, 187 female and 16 children. Minister for Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir flagged off first batch of pilgrims from Jammu base camp in the early morning for their onward journey to Shri Amarnathji Shrine.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Director Tourism, SSP Jammu, besides representatives of religious organizations, senior officers of CRPF and district administration were present on the occasion.

Havan/ Pooja was also performed on the occasion. Enchanting religious slogans and prayers, the pilgrims with holy bandanas tied to their foreheads left for valley for their onward journey to Shri Amarnath Cave Shrine.