Fresh batches of pilgrims leave for Amarnath, over 2.15 lakh devotees pay obeisance

SRINAGAR: Fresh batches of pilgrims left Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam base camps for the holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, where so far 2.15 lakh yatris had paid obeisance since the commencement of the annual 48-day-long pilgrimage from July 2.
Though the sky was cloudy, the pilgrimage was progressing smoothly from both tracks, a yatra official told UNI. Pilgrims, who had night halt at Panjtarni on traditional yatra route, arrived at the Holy Cave to pay obeisance today while others were on way.
He said 1,048 pilgrims paid obeisance yesterday. With this a total of 2,15,015 yatris had darshan at the Holy Cave since July 2. Majority of the pilgrims had returned to their homes.
He said fresh batch of pilgrims, including women and sadhus, left Nunwan Pahalgam base camp for Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on traditional route early this morning.
Though some preferred to cover the distance upto Chandanwari in vehicles, others started journey on foot. Pilgrims, who had night halt at Chandwari and other halting station, including Pisso top, Sheshnag and Panjtarni, have also started their onward journey towards the cave shrine early this morning.
He said a fresh batch of pilgrims, including women and sadhus, left Baltal base camp early this morning for the cave shrine. The pilgrims are likely to reach the cave shrine later this afternoon after covering the hilly terrain on foot. Pilgrims, who had darshan at the cave shrine yesterday and satayed there, have also started their return journey for Baltal base camp early this morning. (AGENCIES)