Registration for this year’s Amarnath Yatra began on Wednesday, with pilgrims flocking to registration centers in large numbers. Both online and offline registration processes have been initiated, attracting devotees. The pilgrimage, spanning 57 days, will kick off from the traditional Pahalgam route and the Baltal route, with devotees taking different durations to complete the journey.
Helicopter services are available for pilgrims on both routes, providing convenience to the devotees. The Yatra is scheduled to start on July 3 and will culminate on Raksha Bandhan, August 28. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board officials have noted a significant rush as pilgrims are actively registering for the pilgrimage.
Across the country, 556 bank branches are facilitating the registration process, with a notable presence of Punjab National Bank branches. In Jammu, six registration counters have been established to manage the registration influx. Devotees have shown eagerness to be among the first to have the sacred ‘Darshan’ inside the Amarnath cave shrine.
The Amarnath cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,888 meters, holds an ice stalagmite structure representing the divine powers of Lord Shiva, as per devotees’ beliefs. The structure’s size fluctuates with the moon’s phases, adding to the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage. Local Muslims play a crucial role in supporting the Yatra, serving as pony wallahs, porters, and assisting elderly devotees during the pilgrimage.
Offline registration is available at 556 bank branches nationwide, including branches of Punjab National Bank, J&K Bank, Yes Bank, and State Bank of India, among others.
