Srinagar: Over 3 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas in the first 21 days of the yatra, higher than the corresponding period last year, officials said on Friday.
They, however, did not share the figure for the corresponding period last year.
The officials said 13,797 pilgrims visited the shrine for a ‘darshan’ of the naturally formed ice Shivlingam on Friday. With this, the total number of pilgrims who have visited the shrine so far this year has climbed to 3,07,354.
Last year, more than 3.65 lakh pilgrims had visited the shrine, according to official data.
Several foreign nationals were among the pilgrims who undertook the yatra this year. Two US citizens, a Ukrainian woman, a group of 35 Nepali citizens and a group of 30 Malaysians are among those who have visited the cave shrine so far.
Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal and Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan also undertook the yatra this year.
Thirty-four people, including security personnel, have died during the yatra so far this year, the officials said.
The 62-day annual Amarnath Yatra started on July 1 and will conclude on August 31.
Meanwhile, carrying a seven-foot trident from the Mankameshwar Temple in Lucknow as a symbol of unwavering devotion, Mohit Kashyap is embarking on his fifth Amarnath Yatra. He is leading a group of 30 devotees that will pay homage at the cave shrine of Lord Shiva.
“Every year, I embark on this journey to pay obeisance to the sacred ice lingam of Lord Shiva to seek blessings,” he told PTI.
Tradition plays a pivotal role in Kashyap’s journey. He carries a trident from the Mankameshwar Temple as a symbol of his unwavering devotion.
“This practice has been followed year after year, signifying the bond between the devotees and their faith,” he said.
Joined by a group of fellow pilgrims, Kashyap and his companions have been embarking on the pilgrimage for years.
“Together, we brave the demanding terrain and overcome the physical hurdles,” Narinder Kumar, a member of the group, said.
“This journey unites the devotees in their shared purpose, forging an unbreakable bond,” he added.
According to Kashyap, “The journey stands as a testament to the power of spirituality and the enduring human spirit.”

KR Desk