JAMMU: The annual Amarnath Yatra resumed on Saturday after a six-day suspension caused by adverse weather conditions, with more than 6,000 pilgrims leaving the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for the Baltal base camp in Kashmir Valley, officials said.
The pilgrimage had been suspended on July 19 as a precaution following persistent rainfall and unfavorable weather across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly along the two routes leading to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine. These include the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
According to officials, the 18th batch of pilgrims comprised 6,269 devotees, including 1,470 women, 25 children, and 54 sadhus. The convoy of 223 vehicles departed the Bhagwati Nagar base camp at around 2:40 a.m. under tight security arrangements.
Authorities have resumed the pilgrimage after weather conditions improved and necessary safety measures were put in place. The yatra continues under close monitoring to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
