Over 2.38 lakh perform Amarnath Yatra in 19 days
Agencies
Jammu: Over 2.38 lakh pilgrims have performed the ongoing Amarnath Yatra during the last 19 days as another batch of 4,094 yatris left Jammu on Saturday for the cave shrine in Kashmir Valley, officials said.
Since the Yatra began on July 1, a total of 2,38,974 pilgrims had ‘darshan’ at the cave shrine.
Police said another batch of 4,094 pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas for the shrine in two escorted convoys.
“Of these, 1,686 yatris are going to Baltal base camp while 2,408 are going to Pahalgam base camp,” a police officer said.
Pilgrims approach the cave shrine either through the longer 45 km-long Pahalgam route or the shorter 14 km-long Baltal route.
Those using the Baltal route return to the base camp the same day after performing the Yatra. Helicopter services are available for the pilgrims at both the base camps.
Local Muslims are lending a helping hand to ensure that their Hindu brethren can perform the Yatra with ease and convenience to uphold the centuries old tradition of Kashmir, abode of saints and Sufis.
The cave shrine was discovered in 1850 by a Muslim shepherd named Buta Malik .
