Amarnath Yatra resumes via Baltal route

Jammu, July 19: After three days Amarnath Yatra resumed via Kashmir's Baltal route as a fresh batch of 1,514 pilgrims left Jammu for the valley.

"A convoy carrying 1,514 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas (Jammu) at 4.45 am today (Sunday). So far, over 2,40,000 Yatris have performed the Yatra," a senior police official said here.

"The pilgrimage is being resumed via its north Kashmir Baltal route after three days," the official added.

The Srinagar-Leh national highway, which leads to the Baltal base camp, remained closed for three days due to multiple landslides in Kulan, Gagangir and Sonamarg villages. Three people were killed in the landslides.

"The highway has been restored today," a district administration official told IANS in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district.

The Himalayan Cave Shrine situated 14,500 feet above the sea-level houses Shivalinga, an ice stalagmite structure that waxes and wanes with the phases of the Moon. Hindus believe the stalagmite structure symbolises mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

This year's two-month Amarnath Yatra, which commenced on July 2 will conclude on August 29, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals .