1,87,903 pilgrims perform Amarnath Yatra so far, 1,500 leave for valley

A batch of over 1,500 pilgrims left Jammu city for Kashmir Valley to perform the Amarnath Yatra, taking the number of yatris to 1,87,903 on Thursday.

"Another batch of over 1,500 yatris left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu city today (Thursday) for the valley," a senior police official told IANS here.

"The yatris left in a convoy escorted by the security forces."

According to Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) officials, as many as 5,135 pilgrims had 'Darshan' inside the Cave Shrine on Wednesday since this year's Yatra started on July 2.

After the traditional Puja was held at Pahalgam on Wednesday, the 'Charri Mubarak' (Lord Shiva's Mace) will now be taken to the Cave Shrine after its stopovers at Chandanwari, Pissu Top, Sheshnag and Panchtarni enroute to the Cave.

The 48-day Yatra will conclude on August 17 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

This year, 12 pilgrims died due to natural causes while performing the Yatra.

In comparison to last year, only 1,87,903 Yatris have performed the pilgrimage this year.

Last year over 2,65,000 pilgrims had performed the Yatra during the same period.

--IANS

sq/py/