Amarnath Yatra begins, first batch sets off from base camps amid tight security
The chants of 'bum bum bole' filled the air as the batches were flagged off by senior officials from the respective base camps, they added.On Wednesday, the first batch of 5,892 yatris was flagged off from the yatra base camp in Jammu's Bhagwati Nagar by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.The pilgrims reached the Kashmir Valley in the afternoon and received a rousing welcome from the administration and locals.They will pay obeisance at the cave shrine, which houses the naturally occurring ice-lingam formation.Stringent security arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the yatra.advertisementThousands of security personnel from the police, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and other paramilitary forces have been deployed to ensure security. Aerial surveillance will also be carried out.The 38-day pilgrimage will conclude on August 9.- Ends
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India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
Over 20,000 devotees conclude pilgrimage to Amarnath: J-K LG Manoj Sinha
Ganderbal (Maharashtra) [India], July 4 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that over 20,000 devotees coming from different parts of the country have already finished their pilgrimage to Amarnath in the Ganderbal district. He said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are welcoming the devotees with 'open hearts'. LG Sinha apprised the reporters about the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Shrine Board in expanding their services for devotees. 'More than 20,000 devotees had 'darshan' of Baba Amarnath so far. They are coming from different parts of the country. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are welcoming them with an open heart. J-K administration, the government and the Shrine board have expanded their services to the people, and ONGC, under their CSR initiative, has built Yatri Niwas to help the devotees,' Sinha told reporters here. LG Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board Yatri Niwas in Baltal, Ganderbal district, and flagged off around 6,000 devotees for the Amarnath Yatra, marking the beginning of the pilgrimage. 'For the past two days, an unprecedented spiritual celebration has begun in Jammu and Kashmir. With the start of the Baba Amarnath Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing a new energy...A huge crowd of devotees from across the country and abroad has thronged for this pilgrimage. On the morning of July 2, I had the privilege of flagging off around 6,000 devotees... I feel blessed to dedicate this pilgrim accommodation to the devotees of Baba,' Sinha said while addressing the gathering here. He also inaugurated the Disaster Management Complex at Baltal. On Wednesday, Sinha paid obeisance at Daati Maa Dev Sthan in the border village of Changiya, in the Arnia area of the Jammu region. Upon his visit, LG Sinha reiterated the Government of India's commitment to the inclusive development of the border area. 'The sacred Daati Maa Dev Sthan will be brought to the religious tourism map,' the LG said, adding, 'I also pray to Mata Daati for a safe and smooth pilgrimage for all the devotees of Shri Amarnath Ji.' This came after he flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Shri Amarnath Yatra from Jammu, amidst multi-tier security. J-K LG Manoj Sinha lauded the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board for making excellent facilities for the Yatra. 'Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces have also maintained tight security. Devotees from all over the country are here. The enthusiasm is very high. The devotees of Bholenath have neglected all the terror attacks and have reached in huge numbers. I am hopeful that this year's Yatra would be even better than the previous ones,' he said. (ANI)
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Over 20,000 pilgrims visit Amarnath shrine in first 2 days of Yatra: J-K LG Manoj Sinha
Over 20,000 pilgrims have had darshan of the naturally formed ice 'Shivling' in the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in the south Kashmir Himalayas during the first two days of the pilgrimage, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Friday. The LG said there is an atmosphere of celebration and enthusiasm across the entire Union Territory for the annual Amarnath Yatra . "Till now, according to the information, over 20,000 devotees of Baba have had darshan," Sinha told reporters after inaugurating the Yatri Niwas Complex at the Baltal base camp in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district. "Baba's devotees are coming here from various corners of the country, and the people of J-K are welcoming them with open hearts. The J-K government and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) have improved the facilities for the yatris," he added. Sinha said some yatris, who have registration for future dates, have arrived ahead of schedule. Live Events "I request them to wait patiently. No one will be asked to leave, but priority will be given to those who have registrations for July 4 or 5," he said. The Yatri Niwas will accommodate 800 pilgrims and also includes a registration and security block. "Providing safe and adequate accommodation for all devotees is our top priority," the LG said. He also interacted with service providers and devotees at the base camp. "Pilgrims are feeling blessed and excited to be part of this journey of faith and tradition," Sinha said. PTI
United News of India
13 hours ago
- United News of India
PM Modi welcomed with Bhojpuri Chautaal in Trinidad & Tobago
Port of Spain/New Delhi, July 4 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with exceptional warmth by the Indian diaspora and given a colorful traditional Indo-Trinidadian welcome on his arrival here. PM Modi reached Trinidad and Tobago late on Thursday marking the start of the second leg of his five-nation tour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome as the Indian diaspora presented a folk programme upon his arrival, marking the second leg of his five-nation tour. He also met members of the Indian community and praised their contributions to the country's development during his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago. As the Prime Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, arrived at Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, he was greeted with a traditional performance of Bhojpuri Chautaal, an expressive folk music form from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The performance highlighted the cultural ties between the Caribbean nation and India, especially through the Indian diaspora that has kept its cultural roots alive. PM Modi shared his appreciation for the performance by posting on X, "A cultural connection like no other! Very happy to have witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain. The connection between Trinidad & Tobago and India, especially parts of eastern UP and Bihar, is noteworthy." He further wrote, "Bhojpuri Chautaal echoes in Trinidad & Tobago!". Applauding the contribution of the Indian community to the country's development, PM Modi highlighted that the diaspora had not only achieved success in various fields but also remained deeply connected to Indian culture. This visit is particularly significant, as it marks Modi's first official trip to the Caribbean nation since becoming Prime Minister. It is also the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999. In a special gesture symbolizing the close ties between the two countries, PM Modi was warmly received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and several members of her Cabinet at the airport. He was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour and welcomed with more cultural performances. PM Modi also addressed a large gathering of the Indian Diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. The event was attended by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Members of her Cabinet, Members of Parliament and several other dignitaries. At the event, Prime Minister was greeted with exceptional warmth by the diaspora and given a colorful traditional Indo-Trinidadian welcome. In his statement, PM Modi expressed gratitude saying, "Landed in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, distinguished members of the Cabinet, and MPs for the warm welcome at the airport." PM Modi also spoke about the deep historical ties between the two nations, noting, "Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's ancestors hailed from Buxar, Bihar. Kamala ji herself has visited the village. People consider her a daughter of Bihar." The Prime Minister also shared a symbolic moment when he spoke of bringing water from this year's Mahakumbh, the world's largest spiritual gathering, to offer to the Ganga River in Trinidad. UNI AAB RKM
