Amarnath Yatra 2024 Concludes Amid Security Concerns

The 52-day-long Amarnath Yatra concluded with the Chhari Mubarak reaching the holy cave shrine of Amarnath. The pilgrimage, led by Mahant Deependra Giri, was marked by significant security measures due to increased terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

The 52-day-long Amarnath Yatra concluded on Monday as the Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, reached the sacred Amarnath cave shrine. The Chhari Mubarak Swami Amarnath Yatra, led by Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the Holy Mace, and accompanied by a group of Sadhus, departed from Camp Panchtarni on Monday morning for the Holy Shrine on the occasion of Shravan Purnima. The group arrived at the Holy Cave at 11 am after performing rituals at 'Amar Ganga.'

The main pujan commenced at 1:30 pm, following the conclusion of 'Bhadra.' Traditional puja and rituals were conducted with great religious fervor, including the chanting of Vedic hymns. Among the attendees were Camp Director Sachin Jamwal, Commanding Officer ITBP Samar Bahadur Singh, and Sukhdev Bhasin, Incharge of Security for the Chhari-Mubarak Yatra 2024, along with hundreds of security personnel. The Chhari-Mubarak Yatra left Camp Panchtarni at 4 am for an overnight halt at Pahalgam. Pujan and visarjan ceremonies will be held on August 21 at the banks of the river Lidder in Pahalgam.

The annual Amarnath pilgrimage commenced on June 29, organized by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. Pilgrims followed two routes: one through Pahalgam and the other via Baltal in the Ganderbal district.

This year's Yatra occurred amidst a notable increase in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, demanding heightened security measures. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)