(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Amarnath Yatra is a symbol of faith and unity, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir feel privileged to be part of the holy pilgrimage, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said here on Friday.
Sinha attended an event organised by civil society, trade fraternity and citizens at Sher-i-Kashmir International conference Centre (SKICC) here to welcome pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra.
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The first batch of pilgrims reached the valley on Friday.
“Glad to have attended an event organised by civil society, trade fraternity & citizens to welcome pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. People feel privileged to be part of holy pilgrimage and contributing to make the journey safe and a truly fulfilling spiritual experience,” the LG said on X.
He said the spiritual journey to the holy cave is the symbol of faith and unity.
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“For centuries, it has been collective responsibility of the society to make every step of this journey blissful. J-K has glorious heritage of harmony, tolerance and brotherhood. It is the land of almost all religions known to mankind. These values deeply embedded in society are expressed in this yatra and everyone irrespective of religion and caste participates in serving the pilgrims,” Sinha said.
Speaking to reporters at the SKICC, the LG said for the past three-four years, a tradition has been established in Jammu and Kashmir to hold discussions with religious leaders, elected representatives, civil society members, and various district officials before the yatra.
“Today, the first group of pilgrims departed from Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, and has reached the Nunwan and Baltal camps. Keeping this in mind, there was a discussion held in a very good atmosphere with civil society members, elected representatives, religious leaders, and key administration officials,” he said.
Over the past three to four years, I have observed that everyone provides support in every possible way and maintains the old traditions of Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said.
“I hope that this year's yatra will be better than the previous years,” he added.
The first batch of the annual yatra with 4,603 pilgrims reached the Kashmir valley on Friday amid stringent security arrangements. Local Muslims joined senior officials of police and civil administration at several places to welcome the yatris upon their arrival in the valley.
The first batch was earlier flagged off from the Bhagwati Nagar Jammu base camp early morning by Sinha.
LG Flags Off First Batch Of Over 4000 Pilgrims From Jammu
Amid a surcharged religious atmosphere, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of 4603 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from the Amarnath Yatra base camp in Jammu on Friday
Before flagging off the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, LG Manoj Sinha also offered special prayers at the temple.
The 52-day long pilgrimage to the cave shrine at a height of about 13,000 feet in South Kashmir Himalayas will commence from the twin tracks-traditional 48 km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal on June 29.
After flagging off the first batch, in a media address, LG Manoj Sinha said,“First batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims have departed from Jammu. In the last 3-4 years, a lot of arrangements have been made for the yatra and this time also the J & K administration has made all the necessary arrangements, and security has been heightened.” He sought support from locals in making the Yatra a grand success adding that“elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.”
He also posted on social media about the ceremony. The post from Office of LG J&K reads,“Flagged off first batch of devotees for the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji. My best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe, blessed, and spiritually enriching journey. May the blessings of Baba Amarnath Ji bring peace, happiness & prosperity to everyone's life”.
Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, thousands of pilgrims have reached Jammu. The first batch will travel in high security in a convoy and reach Pahalgam and Baltal base camp where they will start their Amarnath Yatra.
The pilgrims were seen chanting“Bham Bham Bholey” and dancing in excrement to be part of the first batch of Amarnath Yatra. Among the 4603 pilgrims, 3631 were male, 711 females, 252 Sadhus and nine children. They were travelling a cavalcade of 231 vehicles.
Meanwhile, the BJP leader Devender Singh Rana, who also accompanied LG at the ceremony said,“We hope that with the grace of Bhole Shankar, this year also the yatra will bring happiness and would be a good experience for everyone...like every year. People will get Jammu and Kashmir resident's love, affection and care. The people from all over the nation will receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. Whole India and Jammu and Kashmir will fasten its way of the path of development. Like every year, this year also all the arrangements have been made.” The CCTVs have also been installed on National Highways to strengthen the security and address the traffic related issues.
The 52-day long pilgrimage to the cave shrine at a height of about 13,000 feet in South Kashmir Himalayas will begin on June 29. The yatra will continue till August 19. So Over 4.5 lakh pilgrims had paid their obeisance at the naturally formed ice-shivlingam inside the cave shrine in Kashmir Himalayas last year. So far 3.5 lakh pilgrims registered for Yatra , while a large number is expected due to increased quota of spot registration.
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