Amarnath Yatra 2024: Over 20,000 Pilgrims Flock to Cave Shrine, Total Devotees Exceed 1.50 Lakh
Srinagar, 05-07-2024 : More than 20,000 pilgrims journeyed to the Amarnath cave shrine on Friday, swelling the total number of devotees who have received darshan of the naturally formed ice lingam to over 1.50 lakh, according to officials. The annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on June 29, with pilgrims traversing two paths: the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal, known for its steep ascent.
On the seventh day of the yatra, 21,650 pilgrims, including 15,151 males, 4,147 females, 374 sadhus, and two Sadhvis, paid their respects at the cave shrine. Additionally, the pilgrimage included over 1,700 security personnel, one transgender individual, and 275 children.
The pilgrimage, which takes place amidst the picturesque South Kashmir Himalayas at an altitude of 3,800 meters, has now attracted a total of 1,51,946 pilgrims. Sadly, the yatra has witnessed the unfortunate deaths of two devotees due to cardiac arrests on the Baltal route in June.
Scheduled to conclude on August 19, last year’s pilgrimage drew over 4.5 lakh pilgrims to the cave shrine, underscoring its enduring significance and spiritual allure.
