The Amarnath pilgrimage continues without incident as authorities report successful completion of its first three weeks. More than 360,000 worshippers have visited the sacred cave since the journey began on July 3, with over 360,000 having made the pilgrimage during this period. Officials confirm that 2,324 additional pilgrims departed Saturday morning from Bhagwati Nagar in separate vehicle convoys. The first group of 741 travelers headed toward Baltal base camp at 3:25 AM, while 1,583 others left for Pahalgam at 3:45 AM. Religious ceremonies proceeded as planned when the holy mace visited the Sharika-Bhawani temple on Friday.
Security measures have increased significantly following the April terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives in Pahalgam. Authorities deployed 180 extra Central Armed Police Force companies alongside more than 8,000 Army commandos. The pilgrimage will conclude on August 9 after 38 days, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. Pilgrims can choose between the traditional Pahalgam route spanning 46 kilometers over four days or the shorter 14-kilometer Baltal path completed in one day. The cave shrine sits 3,888 meters above sea level and contains an ice formation that devotees believe represents Lord Shiva.
Security measures have increased significantly following the April terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives in Pahalgam. Authorities deployed 180 extra Central Armed Police Force companies alongside more than 8,000 Army commandos. The pilgrimage will conclude on August 9 after 38 days, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. Pilgrims can choose between the traditional Pahalgam route spanning 46 kilometers over four days or the shorter 14-kilometer Baltal path completed in one day. The cave shrine sits 3,888 meters above sea level and contains an ice formation that devotees believe represents Lord Shiva.
