Tauseef Ahmad
Bandipora, Aug 19-The Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Manzoor Ahmad Qadri on Monday flagged off the procession of devoted pilgrims along with SSP Bandipora Lakshay Sharma, to Chota Amarnath yatra who have gathered from various corners to seek blessings and embark on the sacred pilgrimage.
“This year, the administration permitted a group of approximately 83 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir, as well as from outside the state, to undertake the pilgrimage,” a local resident said.
Besides the local Kashmiri Pandits many peoples from outside also take part in the yatra.
“The 15 Km Amarnath yatra started from Kaloosa where Yatri’s have been flagged off by deputy commissioner Bandipora towards Arin Dardpora a starting point of the yatra, from where they can trek towards Shamthan then to Chota Amarnath located in dense forests of Arin,” a local said.
Another Kashmiri Pandit woman while speaking with the Kashmir Despatch said that they are thankful to the administration for making all necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the yatra. “We are very much excited to reach the holy cave. The administration has made all the arrangements for us for the smooth journey throughout the yatra,”.
She also said that they will pray for peace and brotherhood. “We have memories here, Kashmir is our motherland, we will pray for our return peacefully,”.
Officers from district administration, volunteers besides senior citizens of the town were present on the occasion. The Chota Amarnath Yatra holds immense significance for the devout, as it provides an opportunity to pay homage at the holy cave, which is considered to be an abode of Lord Shiva in the woods of Arin Dardpora, Bandipora.
“Efforts were made already for the smooth journey of yatris. The administration has collaborated with several departments for the smooth coordination and support to pilgrims throughout the journey,” Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, Deputy commissioner Bandipora said.
