Faith trumps fear: Undeterred by Pahalgam attack, 1.3 lakh pilgrims embark on Amarnath yatra in first week
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The Hindu
32 minutes ago
- The Hindu
26th batch of 1,635 pilgrims leave Jammu for Amarnath Yatra
Braving heavy rains, more than 1600 pilgrims left Jammu on Monday (July 28, 2025) for the twin base camps of the cave shrine of Amarnath in the south Kashmir Himalayas amid tight security arrangements. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine, which commenced on July 3 from the valley, has recorded darshan of the ice lingam of Lord Shiva by more than 3.77 lakh pilgrims. Escorted by CRPF and police personnel, the 23rd batch of 1,635 pilgrims, which included 1,303 men, 286 women, four children, and 42 sadhus and sadhvis, left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here in 59 vehicles for the twin base camps in Kashmir between 3:25 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., the officials said. The first convoy, carrying 374 pilgrims in 17 vehicles, left for the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in the Ganderbal district, followed by the second convoy of 1,262 pilgrims in 62 vehicles, who are undertaking the yatra via the 48-km traditional Pahalgam route in the Anantnag district, they said. Chanting "Bum Bum Bhole" and ''Har Har Mahdev'' with enthusiasm, pilgrims braved heavy rains while leaving for the cave shrine. With this, a total of 14,12,95 pilgrims have departed from the Jammu base camp for the valley since July 2, when Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch. Last year, more than 5.10 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine, which houses a naturally formed ice lingam. The pilgrimage is scheduled to end on August 9, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival.
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Kanwar Yatra begins, routes turn into vibrant hubs of devotion
MEERUT The holy month of Sawan began on Friday, marking the start of Kanwar Yatra across Uttar Pradesh with Lord Shiva devotees (Kanwariyas) setting out to collect holy water from the Ganga from Haridwar and other holy sites to offer 'Jalabhishek' at Shiva temples. Meerut and Bareilly came alive with spiritual fervour, colourful processions and robust administrative arrangements. (HH Photo) Meerut and Bareilly came alive with spiritual fervour, colourful processions and robust administrative arrangements. The Meerut administration prepared eight designated routes to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. 'All these routes are equipped with electrical connections, sanitation facilities and medical camps to ensure devotees face no obstacles,' said divisional commissioner (Meerut) Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod. The 540-km Kanwar route in the Meerut range, spanning Meerut, Bulandshahr, Baghpat and Hapur, features 119 security barriers, 184 rest points and 838 temporary camps. Additionally, 184 magistrates are overseeing 24 zones and 68 sectors, monitoring road cleanliness, food quality, and camp operations. 'We've ensured food outlets display rate lists to prevent overcharging and provide hygienic meals,' Yashod added. The UP Police, under DGP Rajiv Krishna, has deployed 587 gazetted officers, 2,040 inspectors, 13,520 sub-inspectors and over 39,965 constables, supported by 50 companies of the Central Police Force and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC). 'Our priority is a peaceful pilgrimage while maintaining law and order,' said SP Kunwar Anupam Singh, emphasizing route inspections and coordination with local committees. In Bareilly, a special Kanwar cell operates 24/7 to monitor activities and assist devotees. DIG Ajay Kumar Sahani detailed the deployment of 6,000 police personnel across eight super zones, 26 zones, 78 sectors and 218 sub-sectors. 'We've deployed 26 PAC platoons, one RAF company, and a flood relief PAC platoon to prevent drowning incidents,' Sahani said. Special measures for women Kanwariyas include 'anti-Romeo squads' and women constables under Mission Shakti. 'We've ensured separate toilets and resting facilities for women,' Sahani noted, adding that DJ operators are instructed to avoid provocative music to prevent communal tensions. The Yatra's festive spirit transformed Meerut and Bareilly into vibrant hubs. Kanwariyas, chanting 'Bum Bum Bhole', were seen marching in processions, adorned with flowers, bells and tridents, amid devotional songs. Temporary stalls offered 'prasad', saffron flags and Shiva idols, while volunteers distributed water and food. 'This Yatra is my heart's joy. Singing bhajans with fellow devotees feels divine,' said Sunita Devi, a Bareilly-based Kanwariya. However, some pilgrims noted challenges. 'The arrangements are good, but overcrowding can be tough. We trust the police to manage,' said Ramesh Kumar from Meerut. Pawan Kumar, a pilgrim from Hapur, added: 'The roads are smoother and the food transparency is a big relief. It lets us focus on our devotion to Bhole.' However, despite the festive zeal, unlawful activities surfaced. In Muzaffarnagar, Kanwariyas reportedly assaulted a youth and damaged his motorcycle over a minor altercation. 'Such acts disrupt the Yatra's sanctity and create fear,' said a police officer. In Bareilly, past tensions from Sawan 2023, when Kanwariyas clashed with with some members of another community in Jogi Nawada, led to restricted procession permissions this year. 'We've intensified vigilance to prevent law and order issues,' said SSP (Bareilly) Anurag Arya.
Deccan Herald
10-07-2025
- Deccan Herald
Faith trumps fear: Undeterred by Pahalgam attack, 1.3 lakh pilgrims embark on Amarnath yatra in first week
Chanting 'Bum Bum Bhole' and dancing along the steep, forested trails of South Kashmir, the pilgrims have surged ahead in what officials say is one of the most enthusiastic turnouts in recent years.
