Baltal, located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir and a crucial stop on the Amarnath Yatra route, experienced heavy rainfall on Friday, marking the seventh day of the annual pilgrimage to the revered Amarnath Shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas.
The pilgrimage, managed by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, offers two main routes: one through Pahalgam and another via Baltal, where pilgrims camp during their journey.
According to the Srinagar Meteorological Department, Pahalgam recorded a maximum temperature of 20.3 degrees Celsius on July 5th.
Under tight security measures, a fresh batch of pilgrims embarked on their journey from the Pantha Chowk Yatra base camp in Srinagar. Amidst heightened security, the Yatris sang devotional songs as they prepared to traverse both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes leading to the 3880-meter-high cave shrine in south Kashmir.
This year’s Yatra takes place amidst security concerns following recent terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking from the Srinagar Base Camp, pilgrim Jagveer Sisodia expressed gratitude towards the local administration for their provisions and support. “Upon arriving here, we have received excellent facilities, including communal meals. I pray for a smooth yatra and extend my heartfelt thanks to the Army soldiers,” he shared with ANI.
The annual Amarnath Yatra remains a significant religious event managed by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, drawing pilgrims from various parts of the country to seek blessings at the sacred cave shrine.