Record 4.50 lakh pilgrims visit Amarnath in 29 days

This year’s Amarnath yatra broke all sorts of records with 4.50 lakh pilgrims visiting the sacred cave shrine in South Kashmir in just 29 days.

 

 Officials reported that on Saturday alone, more than 7,500 people offered prayers to Lord Shiva.

 

"On Saturday, 7,541 pilgrims undertook the yatra and had darshan of Baba Bholenath on the 29th day of the annual pilgrimage," officials said.

 

 This brings the total count of visitors to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine to 451,881.

 

Last year approximately 445,000 pilgrims visited the shrine, indicating a significant increase in visitors this year.

 

Improved security and improved accommodation arrangements have been key factors in in the influx in the number of devotees.

 

Authorities have deployed additional forces and implemented advanced surveillance measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

 

In addition to bolstering security, accommodation facilities have also been upgraded. More tents and community kitchens were set up along the route, providing better shelter and food services for pilgrims.

 

 Medical facilities were improved as well, ensuring immediate assistance for any health issues during the trek.

 

Despite these measures, officials informed that there have been two fatalities during this year's pilgrimage.

 

A sevadar from Haryana and a pilgrim from Jharkhand suffered cardiac arrests along the Baltal route in June. The 52-day pilgrimage will conclude on August 19.