Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Jammu, August 4: The fresh batch of 964 pilgrims embarked on their journey from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Baltal base camp on Tuesday to undertake the pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave. The pilgrims left under tight security arrangements as authorities continued to maintain heightened security along the pilgrimage route.

Jammu Police sources, the 27th batch of the annual Amarnath Yatra departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp at around 3:05 am on Tuesday. The pilgrims travelled in a convoy of 39 vehicles, comprising 21 buses, eight medium-sized vehicles and 10 light vehicles. Security personnel accompanied the convoy as it proceeded towards the Baltal base camp.

The latest group includes pilgrims from different sections of society. Among the 964 devotees are 744 men and 177 women. The group also includes one child, 32 sadhus and 10 sadhvis who are undertaking the sacred journey to the Amarnath cave.

The Amarnath Yatra has continued to attract large numbers of devotees despite the challenging terrain and the demanding nature of the pilgrimage. Authorities have been maintaining elaborate arrangements for the safe movement of pilgrims, with security personnel deployed at strategic locations along the route.

With the departure of Tuesday’s batch, the total number of pilgrims who have so far left Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp for the Amarnath pilgrimage has reached 1,41,712. The steady movement of pilgrims reflects the strong response to the annual pilgrimage and the continued faith of devotees in the sacred shrine.

Meanwhile, the movement of pilgrims is also continuing in the opposite direction. On Tuesday, the 25th batch of around 2,000 pilgrims was scheduled to leave the Baltal base camp for Jammu after completing their pilgrimage. The return movement is being monitored closely by the authorities to ensure that pilgrims can travel safely and without disruption.

Security arrangements have remained a major focus throughout the pilgrimage. Police and other security agencies have been deployed along the routes used by the pilgrims, while the movement of convoys is being coordinated to minimise risks and ensure smooth transportation.

The Amarnath pilgrimage is considered one of the most significant religious journeys in the country, drawing devotees from different parts of India every year. Pilgrims undertake the challenging journey through the Himalayan terrain to pay their respects at the naturally formed ice lingam inside the Amarnath cave.

The continued departure of new batches from Jammu, alongside the return of pilgrims who have completed their journey, has kept the pilgrimage routes busy. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating transportation, security and other logistical arrangements as the annual yatra progresses.

With thousands of pilgrims continuing to travel between the Jammu base camp and the designated routes leading to the shrine, officials are maintaining heightened vigilance to ensure the pilgrimage remains safe and orderly.