Held in backdrop of Pahalgam terror attack, Amarnath yatra crosses four lakh mark
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, termed the turnout 'a miracle'. 'As Baba Amarnath makes the impossible possible. I bow to Lord Shiva for this miracle and express my gratitude to everyone involved in making the holy pilgrimage a divine experience for devotees,' Mr. Sinha said.
He extended his thanks to all stakeholders, including local Muslim service providers and doctors, for their contribution in organising the yatra this year.
'The record number of 'darshans' and arrival of devotees from across the country and the globe is a testament to India's unity and its resolve to overcome the challenges,' Mr. Sinha added.
On April 22, twenty-six civilians were killed in an attack by three terrorists at Baisaran meadow in the Pahalgam valley of Anantnag district - just five kilometres from the yatra route. The incident had impacted the region's tourism sector and raised concerns over potential low turnout for the pilgrimage.
'I am truly thankful to the devotees, who have shown immense faith and strengthened our priceless spiritual heritage,' the Lieutenant-Governor said.
He described the pilgrimage as a 'godly expedition' that is incomparable not just for being arduous, but for offering an 'inimitable journey into pure bliss'. 'It's a spiritual experience and gives an opportunity to devotees to know themselves and offers deep trust and fills their hearts with infinite gratitude,' he said.
The yatra witnessed its highest turnout in 2011 and 2012, when 6.34 lakh and 6.22 lakh pilgrims, respectively, visited the cave shrine. The shrine can be accessed via two routes - a 40-km-long path from the Pahalgam base camp and a shorter 13-km trek from Baltal in Ganderbal district.
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