Offline registrations for the annual Amarnath Yatra 2024 have officially begun in Jammu, with the pilgrimage set to commence on June 29. Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) South Jammu, Manu Hansa, announced that registrations started on Wednesday at the Saraswati Dham, where pilgrims are being issued tokens based on their Aadhaar Cards. The three designated registration centers for the Amarnath Yatra 2024 are located at Vaishnavi Dham, Mahajan Hall, and Panchayat Bhavan. SDM Hansa noted, “We have already received 1,000 registrations for the June 29 visit. The registration process is smooth, and we are aiming to complete at least 2,000 registrations today.”
Certain guidelines have been set for the pilgrims: no individuals below the age of 13 or above the age of 70, and no women more than six weeks pregnant will be allowed. Pilgrims are also required to have a health certificate or can obtain one during their check-up at the registration centers. The Sri Amarnath Shrine Board will release a daily quota of pilgrims. SDM Hansa emphasized that those who have registered online do not need to participate in the offline process. To ensure a smooth registration experience, help desks have been set up in waiting areas, along with six token centers, water filters, and a dining hall for the pilgrims.
Visuals from the registration centers showed eager pilgrims queuing up early in the morning. Ishwar Suman, a pilgrim from Rajasthan, shared his excitement, saying, “Our love and devotion for Baba Bholenath have brought us here, standing in line, eager to embark on this sacred journey.”
Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai discussed the security measures in place, stating, “We are making extensive security arrangements, especially along the National Highway. Udhampur lies on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, and we have arranged for 26 accommodation centers to host 6,000 pilgrims. Nodal officers have been appointed at these centers to ensure the best possible preparations. Additionally, E-KYC centers have been set up at railway stations for registration purposes.”
In preparation for the Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the Shri Amarnath Yatra Base Camp at Baltal in Ganderbal district on Tuesday to review the arrangements.
The Amarnath Yatra 2024, a significant annual pilgrimage for Hindus, will run from June 29 to August 19 this year. The pilgrimage involves a challenging trek to the Amarnath cave shrine, located in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder Valley, standing at an elevation of 3,888 meters, 46 kilometers from Pahalgam and 14 kilometers from Baltal.
According to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, while the traditional route starts from Srinagar, most pilgrims begin their journey at Chandanwari, covering the distance to Amarnath and back in five days. Pahalgam, located 96 kilometers from Srinagar, serves as a key starting point. The Amarnath cave, one of the major Hindu Dhams, is considered the abode of Lord Shiva, who is believed to be enshrined in the form of an ice-lingam. This naturally formed lingam is said to wax and wane with the moon, attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees each year, making security a top priority for the authorities.
To accommodate the large influx of pilgrims, the authorities have set up extensive security and logistical arrangements. This includes the deployment of security personnel along the route, installation of CCTV cameras, and regular patrols to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Additionally, medical camps have been set up along the route to provide emergency medical services to the pilgrims. The administration has also made arrangements for food and lodging along the route to ensure a comfortable journey for the pilgrims.
The Amarnath Yatra 2024 holds immense religious significance for Hindus, as it is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati. The pilgrimage is seen as an act of devotion and penance, with pilgrims braving harsh weather conditions and challenging terrain to reach the holy cave. The ice-lingam, which is a naturally forming stalagmite, is considered a symbol of Lord Shiva, and its waxing and waning with the moon is seen as a divine phenomenon.
The smooth commencement of offline registrations for the Amarnath Yatra 2024 is a testament to the efficient planning and execution by the authorities. The introduction of token systems, help desks, and health check-ups at the registration centers has streamlined the process, making it convenient for the pilgrims. The authorities have also emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidelines and ensuring the safety and well-being of all the pilgrims.
As the Amarnath Yatra 2024 begins, the spirit of devotion and faith among the pilgrims is palpable. With the extensive arrangements in place, the authorities are confident of providing a safe and enriching experience for all the devotees embarking on this sacred journey.