Amarnath Yatra crosses 3.35L mark, foreigners also join in
SRINAGAR: Over 3.35 lakh pilgrims have so far taken part in
Amarnath Yatra
this year, said Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor
Manoj Sinha
on Wednesday. This includes nine young foreigners from six countries, including the US, Germany and Canada, who took the Baltal route, said a govt spokesperson on Thursday.
The 38-day yatra, that began on July 3 and will conclude on Aug 9, is being conducted through the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route.
'The success of the yatra will give a significant boost to the tourism sector in the Union Territory,' the LG said, adding, 'The Yatra is going on smoothly, meeting all the expectations. We are witnessing an overwhelming atmosphere of spiritual fervour and festivity throughout the base camps.'
Ross Norman from Canada said, 'I experienced some beautiful geology, nature, and the immense energy of this cave. We just had darshan. It was the deep silence meeting consciousness. It was very special.'
The LG has directed medical officials to conduct in-depth analysis of patterns and causes of health-related incidents among pilgrims and take precautionary measures.
Last year, over 5.12 lakh pilgrims visited the Amarnath shrine, which was the highest number in 12 years.
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