Srinagar, May 18 (IANS) J&K L-G Manoj Sinha on Monday conducted an on-site inspection of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board’s Yatri Niwas in Srinagar district.

An official statement said that Manoj Sinha conducted an on-site inspection and reviewed the ongoing construction works and pilgrim facilities at the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk, Srinagar.

The J&K L-G interacted with the officials and directed them to expedite the progress and ensure completion of pending works well before the commencement of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

He also reviewed the arrangements for the sound-and-light show dedicated to Baba Barfani.

The J&K L-G was accompanied by Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Mukesh Garg, Member, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Rajiv Pandey, Deputy Inspector General, Central Kashmir Range; G. V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, and other senior officers.

This year’s annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave shrine begins on July 3 and will end after 57 days on August 28, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

The cave shrine, situated 8,880 metres above sea level, houses an ice stalagmite structure which wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.

Devotees believe the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

Yatris approach the cave shrine either from the traditional longer Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.

The Pahalgam route takes four days to reach the cave shrine, while Yatris using the shorter Baltal route return to the base camp the same day after having ‘darshan’ inside the cave shrine.

Helicopter services are available for the Yatris from both Pahalgam and Baltal base camps to the cave shrine.

Locals help the Yatris in the smooth conduct of the Yatra as they provide ponies, palanquins, and work as helpers and labourers to make the Yatra a success.

Authorities make elaborate arrangements for security, accommodation, and healthcare for the pilgrims who come each year from across the country and abroad to perform the Yatra.

–IANS

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