4,656 yatris leave for Amarnath today

Jammu, July 20 (UNI) A fresh batch of 4,656 pilgrims today left for the holy Amarnath cave while 4,656 yatris performed 'darshan' and offered 'puja' of the holy mace (icelingam) of Lord Shiva in the cave shrine.

Sources of Amarnath Shrine Board, while talking to UNI said a total of 4,656 pilgrims, including 1,977, from Pahalgam base camp, 1,395 from Jammu base camp and 1,082 from Baltal base camp left for Amarnath shrine while 212 devotees were air lifted.

''More than 2,45,000 devotees have offered puja and performed darshan of the Icelingam till last evening since the holy yatra commenced,'' Mr Mantoo added.

He said more 1,45,000 devotees visited the cave shrine through Pahalgam route while more 1,00,000 pilgrims through the Baltal route till this afternoon.

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