Srinagar, July 2: Local authorities warmly welcomed the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims at many places in Kashmir, as hundreds of them turned into the valley on Wednesday.
The first batch of 5,892 yatris was dispatched by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from the base camp of the journey in Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu.
On his arrival in the Kashmir Valley, the convoy of pilgrims from the administration, and the local people gave a spectacular welcome to Kulgam, Anantnag and Srinagar districts, officials said.
The pilgrims reached the valley through Navig Tunnel in Kajigund area of Kulgam district of South Kashmir, where they were welcomed by Deputy Inspector General of South Kashmir Range and Deputy Commissioner of Kulgam.
BJP leader Ravindra Raina was also one of those people who welcomed the yatras with garlands, flower bouquets, sweets and flower petals.
The convoys left separately for the Baltal and Pahalgam base camp, from where they would leave for a 3,880 meter high cave in the early hours of Thursday.
Officials said the pilgrims were also included in the Nunwan Base Camp and Noagam area of the city in Pahgam, while they were on their way to the base camps, the officials said.
The 38-day pilgrimage for Amarnath Shrine will begin on Thursday in Gandal district via the traditional 48-km Nanwan-Pahalgam road in Anantnag district and 14-kimi in Anantnag district on Thursday.
The journey will end on 9 August.
So far, more than 3.31 lakh devotees have registered for this year’s Amarnath Yatra.
