In spite of heavy downpours, a batch of over 5,600 pilgrims set off from Jammu towards the twin basecamps, Baltal and Palagam, of the Amarnath cave shrine on Thursday, said officials.
On Wednesday alone, more than 30,000 devotees prayed to the naturally formed ice lingam. This brings the total number of pilgrims to over one lakh, they said.
The officials informed that the seventh group of pilgrims included 4,487 men, 1,011 women, 10 children, and 188 ‘sadhus’ and ‘sadhvis’. They departed at 3.13 am in 219 vehicles from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp under the escort of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
On the first day, nearly 14,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine located at a height of 3,880 metres. Amarnath yatra will continue for 52 days.
On the first day, nearly 14,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine located at a height of 3,880 metres. Amarnath yatra will continue for 52 days.
It started from the twin tracks of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district on June 29 and will conclude on August 19.