SRINAGAR: As the annual Amarnath Yatra continues smoothly amid tight security and favourable weather, 19,020 pilgrims performed darshan at the holy cave shrine on Saturday, taking the cumulative count to 1,82,746, officials said.
According to figures, Saturday’s darshan included 13,980 male pilgrims, 4,272 females, 225 children, 103 sadhus, 20 sadhvis, and 420 personnel from security forces.
The pilgrimage entered its tenth day on Saturday and continues to see a steady influx of devotees from across the country. Officials said the yatra is progressing without disruption, with all arrangements in place for the safety and convenience of pilgrims.
“Given the current trend, the total pilgrim count is expected to cross the two lakh mark by Sunday. This year, the yatra has not been halted due to rains or any other reason,” an official said.
Authorities have deployed additional teams for medical support, sanitation, and route maintenance, especially in view of recent weather changes along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
Ambika Soni, a pilgrim from Jaipur, expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.
“The government has made very good arrangements this year. Everything from security to food and medical aid is well-managed. It feels safe and spiritually fulfilling to be part of this journey. I will offer prayers at the cave for peace and prosperity,” she said.
Another devotee, Nilesh Upadhyay, said he was undertaking the pilgrimage for the 13th time. “I have come here 13 times, and I must say the arrangements have improved every year. There is a sense of peace and divine energy. Pilgrims are being cared for at every step. The atmosphere is calm, and the security forces are doing a commendable job,” he said.
Meanwhile, the 11th batch of 6,639 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Saturday morning for the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir.
The batch included 1,462 women, 41 children, and 181 sadhus and sadhvis. According to officials, the pilgrims departed in two separate convoys under tight security, heading to the twin base camps at Nunwan (Pahalgam) and Baltal (Ganderbal).
Of the total, 4,302 pilgrims chose the traditional Pahalgam route, travelling in 159 vehicles, while 2,337 pilgrims took the Baltal route in 116 vehicles.
The 32-day yatra, which began on July 3, is scheduled to conclude on August 9. (KNO)
