Srinagar: The annual Amarnath Yatra resumed on Saturday after remaining suspended for six days due to persistent rainfall and adverse weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities allowed the pilgrimage to restart after weather conditions improved, with over 6,200 pilgrims leaving the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Baltal base camp under tight security arrangements.
Pilgrimage resumes after weather improves
The yatra had been suspended since July 19 as continuous rainfall triggered landslides, shooting stones and the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, prompting authorities to halt the movement of pilgrims as a precautionary measure. Following an improvement in weather and road conditions, officials permitted the annual pilgrimage to resume on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
More than 6,200 pilgrims depart from Jammu
The 18th batch of the pilgrimage comprised 6,269 devotees, including 1,470 women, 25 children and 54 sadhus, who departed in a convoy of 223 vehicles from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu. Security arrangements have been strengthened along the route to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims.
Yatra to continue till August 28
The annual Amarnath Yatra, which began earlier this month, is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. Authorities have advised pilgrims to continue monitoring official weather and travel advisories as weather conditions in the Himalayan region can change rapidly.