Registration for the 38-day-long Shri Amarnath Yatra began on Monday across the country with great enthusiasm. Long queues of devotees were seen at several designated bank branches, including the Rihadi Chungi branch of Punjab National Bank in Jammu. The pilgrimage will begin on 3rd July and conclude on 9th August. As always, special arrangements and extensive security measures have been put in place for the devotees this year.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced the dates during the 48th meeting of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board held at Raj Bhavan on 5th March. This year too, the Yatra will begin simultaneously via the Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Considering the expected crowd of pilgrims, the board has proposed enhanced facilities and better arrangements.
Special Facilities for Pilgrims
E-KYC, RFID cards, and spot registration services will now be available at several locations, including Jammu, Srinagar, Nowgam, and Katra railway stations. Additional help centres will also be set up at Baltal, Pahalgam, Nunwan, and Pantha Chowk in Srinagar to assist devotees.
Who is Not Eligible for the Yatra?
Devotees aged between 13 and 70 years are eligible to register for the Yatra. Pregnant women who are six weeks or more into their pregnancy are not permitted to undertake the journey. With the growing enthusiasm among pilgrims and the government’s detailed preparations, this year’s Amarnath Yatra is expected to be even grander and safer.