Over 4 lakh pilgrims visit Amarnath cave; testament to India’s unity, says L-G

The number of pilgrims to have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir crossed the 4 lakh mark on Thursday. The ongoing yatra is taking place amid heightened security following the Pahalgam terror attack in April in which 26 people were killed.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the arrangement of Amarnath Yatra.

“Baba Amarnath makes the impossible possible. With his blessings, the Holy Yatra today crossed the 4 lakh figure. I bow to Lord Shiva for this miracle and express my gratitude to everyone involved in making the holy pilgrimage a divine experience for devotees,” he said in a series of posts on X.

Sinha said the high number of pilgrims was testament to India’s unity and its resolve to overcome all challenges.

“The record number of darshans and arrival of devotees from across the country and the globe is a testament to India’s unity and its resolve to overcome the challenges. I am truly thankful to the devotees, who have shown immense faith and strengthened our priceless spiritual heritage,” he said.

“This godly expedition is incomparable not because it’s arduous and challenging but because it’s an inimitable journey into pure bliss. It’s a spiritual experience and gives an opportunity to devotees to know themselves and offers deep trust and fills their hearts with infinite gratitude,” he added.

The annual pilgrimage, which commenced on July 3, has this year seen a strong turnout despite initial fears following the terror attack in Pahalgam in Apri. In response, authorities have significantly ramped up security, deploying 581 companies from various Central Armed Police Forces to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. The yatra is all set to end on August 9.