Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Jammu, July 25: The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra resumed on Saturday after remaining suspended for six consecutive days due to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions, bringing immense relief and joy to thousands of pilgrims waiting to undertake the sacred journey. The pilgrimage had been temporarily halted on July 19 as continuous rain and unfavorable weather made travel along the mountain routes unsafe for devotees.

With weather conditions showing significant improvement, authorities gave the green signal for the pilgrimage to recommence. In the early hours of Saturday, a fresh batch of devotees departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu under tight security arrangements and with all necessary logistical support in place.

The Joint Police Control Room at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu, the convoy carrying the pilgrims left the base camp at approximately 2:42 a.m. A total of 6,269 pilgrims travelled in a convoy of 223 vehicles towards the Baltal route, one of the two main routes leading to the holy Amarnath cave shrine.

Officials said the latest batch comprised 4,720 male pilgrims, 1,458 female pilgrims, 25 children, 54 sadhus and 12 sadhvis. The convoy was escorted under comprehensive security arrangements to ensure the safe movement of devotees through the mountainous terrain.

The suspension of the yatra over the past week had caused disappointment among thousands of devotees who had gathered in Jammu with the hope of visiting the sacred cave shrine. Continuous rainfall and the resulting risk of landslides and difficult trekking conditions had compelled authorities to suspend the pilgrimage as a precautionary measure to safeguard the lives of pilgrims.

The improvement in weather and the successful resumption of the pilgrimage, smiles returned to the faces of the devotees. Many pilgrims expressed happiness and relief after finally getting the opportunity to continue their spiritual journey following days of uncertainty.

The Shri Amarnath Yatra is one of India's most revered Hindu pilgrimages, attracting lakhs of devotees from across the country every year. Authorities continue to closely monitor weather conditions and the condition of the pilgrimage routes to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the annual yatra. The administration has also advised pilgrims to follow official guidelines and cooperate with security personnel throughout the journey to the holy cave shrine.