Jammu, July 10 (IANS) The ninth batch of pilgrims departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra on Friday under tight security arrangements. Devotees chanted religious slogans and hymns as they began their spiritual journey, reflecting enthusiasm, faith, and devotion.

Speaking to IANS, several pilgrims appreciated the elaborate arrangements made by the administration for the yatra.

One devotee told IANS, “I came to Jammu yesterday evening, and after that I stayed at a hotel here. Then, in the morning, I completed the registration process. The administration here has made very good arrangements. Talking about the security arrangements, our security forces across the country are performing their duties very well and providing security to all of us…”

Another pilgrim said, “We have been coming for 12 years, and the arrangements are very good. We have been coming continuously… The arrangements are good, and the administration’s preparations are also good. Many saints and seers have come here. There is a very, very big difference. Now there is no difficulty because the military personnel, our BSF jawans, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the entire administration provide so much service and take so much care that nothing happens to anyone…”

Meanwhile, more than 1.42 lakh devotees had ‘darshan’ at the holy Amarnath cave shrine during the first six days of the pilgrimage.

Of the 8,150 yatris who left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas on Thursday morning, 4,705 pilgrims moved towards Nunwan base camp while 3,445 headed for Baltal base camp. Both batches left in separate escorted convoys.

All the pilgrims who had darshan at the cave shrine earlier returned safely to the Baltal base camp.

The cave shrine, situated 3880 metres above sea level, houses an ice stalagmite structure that waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

SANJY-2026, which started on July 3, will end on August 28 after 57 days, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

–IANS

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