JAMMU:
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims from Yatri Niwas, Bhagwati Nagar, today.
Amidst the chanting of Vedic Mantras, the first batch of 3488 pilgrims set off to the Holy Cave in a convoy of 164 light and heavy vehicles early in the morning.
The Lt Governor wished all the devotees a safe and spiritually-fulfilling journey and prayed for peace, prosperity and happiness to all.
“The holy pilgrimage is the ultimate bliss. It is the path of humility, compassion and awareness. Shiv Sutra says, क्समो भैरव:, the spiritual endeavour is Bhairava, the first step to experience the divine. It is the journey of inner transformation.
The UT Administration has made elaborate arrangements for the safe and hassle-free pilgrimage of the devotees of Shri Amarnath Ji,” the Lt Governor said.
Eminent spiritual leaders; members of PRIs and ULBs; heads of religious organizations, senior officers of civil administration, Police, security forces and SASB officials, prominent citizens, and devotees in large number were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Stringent multi-tier security measures have been implemented at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, and the convoy carrying the pilgrims will be safeguarded by CRPF troops, with the Army and police responsible for area domination.
The city administration established on-the-spot registration centres for unregistered pilgrims and sadhus. The registration process has commenced, with a dedicated centre for unregistered pilgrims in the Shalimar area and a special camp for sadhus at the Ram temple complex in Purani Mandi.
Over 3,00,000 pilgrims have already registered online for the Yatra.
“Pilgrims shall be provided RFID Tag at the registration centre itself which is mandatory with the pilgrims permit,” the official informed.
Deputy Commissioner Avny Lavasa mentioned that 33 accommodation centres have been set up across Jammu, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags will be issued at the registration centres. Five counters have been designated for the Tatkal registration of pilgrims at Vaishnavi Dham, Mahajan Sabha, Panchayat Ghar and two at Geeta Bhawan and Ram Mandir for the registration of sadhus. The commissioner said, “All arrangements are in place and the district administration is on its toes to welcome the pilgrims.”
