JAMMU: The first batch of pilgrims reached Kashmir on Friday for the annual Amarnath Yatra, beginning Saturday, with J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha flagging off 4,603 yatris in the morning from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu under a tight security cover.Amid blowing of conch shells and chants of “Bum Bum Bhole”, “Jai Baba Burfani” and “Har Har Mahadev”, the pilgrims left for the two base camps in Kashmir in a cavalcade of 231 vehicles, escorted by CRPF personnel.The 52-day pilgrimage will begin from the twin tracks — the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal — and will conclude on August 19.The LG performed religious rituals at the base camp and wished the pilgrims a safe journey. “May the blessings of Baba Amarnath ji bring peace, happiness and prosperity to everyone’s life,” he said.Eminent spiritual leaders; heads of religious organisations; public representatives; senior officers of civil administration, police, security forces and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board; and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
