Amarnath pilgrimage to begin from June 30

Srinagar, Jun 29: Amid massive security and reports of fast melting ice 'Shivalingam', the annual two-month-long pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas would commence simultaneously from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes on Vrat Purnima from tomorrow.

However, the commencement of the pilgrimage, scheduled to end on Shravan Purnima on August 28 on the ''Raksha Bandhan'' day, was subject to weather conditions.

Hundreds and thousands of unregistered devotees have already paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath well ahead of the official commencement of the pilgrimage.

Elaborate security and other arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth and peaceful pilgrimage.

About 4000 additional security forces have already been deployed on the Srinagar-Jammu National highway to the holy cave shrine from both traditional Pahalgam and shorter Baltal routes.

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), headed by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha, is expecting a record number devotees this year.

About 10,000 pilgrims would be allowed to proceed to the holy cave shrine every day from Pahalgam and Baltal routes with 5000 each from one side.

Two helicopter companies -- Deccan Aviation Limited and Himalayan Heli Services -- have already started operating chopper service for the pilgrims from Srinagar and Baltal on reduced rates as compared to previous years.

As per the new rates, a pilgrim has to pay Rs 5890 against Rs 7500 charged last year from Baltal to the holy cave and back.

Similarly, the charges from Srinagar to the Amarnath cave would be Rs 18,900 per devotee against last year's fare of Rs 20,000.

UNI

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