Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Aug 19: While second batch of nearly 2850 pilgrims today performed Darshan at Shri Budha Amarnath Ji shrine at Mandi in district Poonch, the third batch of nearly 3250 pilgrims in 42 vehicles arrived Poonch this evening.
Yatra Reception Committee members including DSP DAR Poonch Mohan Lal, DySP Headquarters Nwaz Khandey, SD Sabha Poonch unit president Satish Sasan, VHP district unit president Nishu Gupta, Bajarang Dal district chief Sourabh and others accorded grand reception to the pilgrims arriving from various parts of the country here today and garlanded many of them. They also offered eatables and drinks to the pilgrims.
The second batch of pilgrims today arrived Shri Budha Amarnath Ji shrine at Mandi from Poonch this morning. After performing Darshan and offering prayers, the pilgrims left for Jammu.
The third batch of nearly 3250 pilgrims in 34 buses and eight light motor vehicles from various parts of the country arrived Poonch town this evening. From Jammu base camp, hardly 33 vehicles left for Poonch while others joined on the way at Sunderbani and Rajouri. Most of the pilgrims were from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Harayana and Utter Pardesh. Many yatris from various districts of Jammu region also arrived here this evening.
The pilgrims were accorded warm welcome first at Sunderbani, Nowshera and Rajouri and finally at Poonch base camp. They were served break fast at Sunderbani, lunch at Rajouri and evening tea by an Army unit at Bhimber Gali.
The pilgrims were accommodated in Akhara Mandir complex, ITI building and in local Govt Higher Secondary schools for night stay.
Tomorrow morning, the third batch of pilgrims will leave for Shri Budha Amarnath Ji shrine at Mandi from Poonch. After performing `Darshan’ and offering special prayers, the pilgrims will leave for Jammu. The District Administration has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of this annual yatra.
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