Amarnath Yatra 2024 poised to break all records

Srinagar, July 21: The Amarnath Yatra 2024 is on track to shatter previous records as yatri arrivals continue to surge daily.

With 31 days remaining in the 52-day yatra, nearly 4 lakh devotees have already visited the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

This remarkable influx of yatris underscores the enduring spiritual significance of the Amarnath Yatra, attracting devotees from across the country and beyond.

At the same time, the influx of yatris is revitalising local businesses and tourism-related sectors.

Hotels, restaurants, and transport services are witnessing increased patronage, bringing a much-needed economic uplift to the region.

This surge in tourism underscores the broader positive impact of the Amarnath Yatra on Kashmir's economy, fostering growth and prosperity in the Valley.

With 11,231 yatris paying obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine on Saturday, the total number of yatris visiting the Amarnath cave shrine in the last 21 days since the yatra started on June 29 has touched 3,74,603, officials said.

They said that out of the 11,231 yatris who visited the Amarnath cave shrine today there were 7102 males, 2508 females, 125 children, 94 Sadhus, one Sadhvi and 1401 service providers and security forces personnel.

Officials said that the yatris who reached the twin base camps on Saturday started their onward sojourn towards the Amarnath cave shrine early Sunday morning.

They said of the 3.74 lakh yatris majority have returned to their home states while others are on way.

Officials said that out of 4821 yatris who left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas here early Sunday morning towards twin base camps in Kashmir included 3232 male, 1488 females, eight children, 63 Sadhus and nine Sadhvis.

All of them reached the twin base camps by Sunday evening where from they would leave towards the Amarnath cave shrine early Monday morning.

The yatra, which would conclude on Shravan Purnima (August 19), coincides with the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan.

Amarnath Yatra 2023 witnessed a record-breaking total of 4,45,338 devotees offering prayers at the naturally formed ice Shivling, significantly surpassing 2022 year's figure of 3.65 lakh.

“The authorities are managing the yatra with remarkable efficiency, ensuring the safety and well-being of the yatris. Despite the challenging terrain and the influx of devotees, the administration is successfully facilitating the yatra while maintaining strict security protocols,” the officials said.

“Comparatively, the increased number of yatris this year highlights the enhanced facilities and improved infrastructure, making the arduous journey more accessible and manageable for devotees,” the senior official said. “The administration's efforts in providing better medical facilities, efficient crowd management, and enhanced security measures are contributing to the successful and peaceful yatra. The significant rise in participation reflects the unwavering faith and devotion of the yatris, reaffirming the spiritual importance of the Amarnath Yatra.”

With continuous improvements in infrastructure and services, the yatra is poised to attract even more devotees in the coming years, solidifying its place as one of the most revered yatra in India.

The multi-tiered security arrangements, which include a mix of paramilitary forces, local Police, and intelligence agencies, have been put in place to prevent any untoward incidents.

The authorities have set up numerous security checkpoints and have increased surveillance along the yatra route.

Advanced technologies, including drones and CCTV cameras, are being utilised to monitor the movement of yatris and to provide real-time updates to the control rooms.

To ensure the smooth movement of yatris, the authorities have improved the infrastructure along the route.

Roads have been repaired, and temporary shelters have been set up to provide rest and relief to the devotees.

The administration has also arranged for adequate water supply and sanitation facilities to maintain hygiene standards.

The yatra control rooms operate round the clock, coordinating with various agencies to manage the flow of yatra and to address any emerging issues promptly.

The control rooms are equipped with communication systems to provide real-time information and assistance to the yatris.