First batch of about 5k Amarnath Yatris reaches Kashmir’s Anantnag

The first batch of Amarnath yatris comprising around 4,890 people reached Kashmir Valley on Wednesday and received a warm welcome at several places along the highway. J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from the Jammu base camp. He prayed for peace, prosperity and a safe spiritual journey for the pilgrims. The caravan of yatris from Jammu started at around 4 am in 176 heavy and light vehicles and reached Anantnag of southern Kashmir in the afternoon.

Sinha also attended a programme of civil society to welcome yatris as the formal 43-day Amarnath Yatra is starting from Thursday. “Apart from having a spiritual significance, an integral part of lifetime, the pilgrimage also gives J&K the opportunity to showcase its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality,” said Sinha. The LG said there is tremendous enthusiasm among devotees and people of J&K for this yatra and everyone is contributing to make this sacred pilgrimage successful. “Participation of civil society members and locals are inextricably woven into the Yatra,” he said.

The annual pilgrimage was cut short in 2019 following the withdrawal of Article 370 and wasn’t held in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Former chief minister of J&K, Mehbooba Mufti, said she was sure that people of Kashmir will welcome yatris wholeheartedly.