Over 3.5 lakh register for Amarnath Yatra since April 14 as preparations pick up

More than 3.5 lakh people have registered for this year’s Amarnath Yatra since April 14. The yatra will begin on July 3 and end on August 9.

This yearly pilgrimage draws devotees from across India to see the natural ice Shivling at the holy Amarnath cave. The ice Shivling is believed to be a form of Lord Shiva and grows and shrinks with the moon, reaching its full size during the Shravan month (July–August).

The excitement among devotees remains high, even after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 25 tourists and a local horseman.

In response, India carried out Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The first group of pilgrims will leave Jammu on July 2 and travel towards Pahalgam and Baltal. The two routes that lead to the Amarnath cave. Pahalgam serves as one of the main base camps for the journey.

To make the yatra safe and comfortable, the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board are making all necessary arrangements.

These include facilities starting from Lakhanpur (the J&K border entry point) to the holy cave.

On Friday, Jammu Tourism Director Vikas Gupta, and Joint Director Aijaz Qaiser visited the Yatri Niwas in Jammu to check preparations. The Yatri Niwas is where many pilgrims stay before starting the yatra.

Health officials will be available day and night at the base camp to look after the health of the devotees.

Due to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, security will be much tighter this year.

Strong security measures will be in place to make the journey safe and peaceful for everyone.

Preparations are moving quickly, and the administration is working hard to ensure a smooth experience for all pilgrims taking part in this spiritual journey. Many hoteliers, pony- walls, transporters are eagerly waiting for the yatra to begin with the hope that it will revive tourism in the scenic place. After the terror attack, tourist arrivals in Pahalgam have fallen drastically. More than 10,000 people have lost their jobs, while earnings for shopkeepers and hoteliers have declined significantly.

India