Despite Overcast Weather, Pilgrimage Proceeds Smoothly
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, July 15: Undeterred by overcast skies and intermittent rain in the higher reaches of Kashmir, the sacred Amarnath Yatra continues its smooth progress, with thousands of pilgrims offering prayers at the revered cave shrine on Tuesday.
According to official data, 13,490 pilgrims performed darshan at the holy cave on July 15, comprising 9,096 male, 3,546 female, 199 children, 67 sadhus, and 14 sadhvis. Additionally, 568 security personnel also paid obeisance at the naturally formed ice lingam.
With this, the cumulative number of pilgrims who have visited the shrine during this year’s Yatra has reached 2,34,001, indicating a steady and peaceful flow of devotees.
Fresh Batch Moves from Jammu
Meanwhile, 6,388 more pilgrims left from the Jammu base camp in the 14th batch of the pilgrimage, heading towards the Valley under tight security and logistical arrangements.
Of these, 2,501 pilgrims opted for the Baltal route, while 3,887 pilgrims took the Pahalgam axis. The convoy comprised 248 vehicles, including 129 buses, 38 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 73 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and 8 two-wheelers.
Among the latest batch were 4,886 males, 1,300 females, 15 children, 158 sadhus, and 21 sadhvis, highlighting the diversity of participants in age, gender, and spiritual commitment.
Despite the prevailing cloudy conditions, officials have reassured that all essential services—including medical aid, traffic control, security escort, and shelter facilities—are fully operational along the twin routes to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage experience.
15-Year Footfall: 51 Lakh Pilgrims Visited Amarnath
Over the last 15 years, the Amarnath Yatra has witnessed a total footfall of over 51 lakh devotees, underscoring its spiritual and cultural significance for Hindus across India and abroad.
The 2010-2012 period marked the highest early turnout, with 4.55 lakh pilgrims in 2010, followed by 6.21 lakh in 2011, and a peak of 6.35 lakh in 2012.
However, subsequent years saw a decline, with just 2.21 lakh pilgrims recorded in 2016, primarily due to security concerns and weather-related disruptions.
A revival began post-2017, with the Yatra regaining pace. While 2020 and 2021 saw a complete halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pilgrimage resumed in 2022 with 3.04 lakh pilgrims, followed by 4.50 lakh in 2023, and a record-breaking 5 lakh in 2024—the highest turnout since 2012.
The duration of the Yatra has also fluctuated, depending on climatic, administrative, and health considerations. The pilgrimage lasted 43 days in 2022, 62 days in 2023, and 52 days in 2024.
Officials credit the improved numbers to enhanced infrastructure, robust medical and security arrangements, and growing awareness about the spiritual and natural beauty of the high-altitude Himalayan pilgrimage.
As the Yatra continues, authorities remain vigilant and committed to ensuring a safe, serene, and spiritually fulfilling journey for all pilgrims.
