Annual Amarnath Yatra Begins Under Stringent Security Measures
The annual Amarnath Yatra has officially commenced, with the first batches of pilgrims setting off from the twin base camps of Nunwan-Pahalgam and Baltal in Kashmir. Nearly 6,000 pilgrims began the journey towards the high-altitude cave shrine. The 38-day pilgrimage is taking place amidst a massive security deployment involving thousands of police and paramilitary personnel, along with aerial surveillance, to ensure the safety of the devotees. The yatra is a significant religious event drawing pilgrims from across the country.
Unpacked:
The Amarnath Yatra is a major Hindu pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati in the Amarnath Cave, making it one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism and attracting devotees from across India.
Security is heightened for the Amarnath Yatra due to past incidents of terrorist attacks targeting pilgrims, notably in 1995. Since then, authorities have deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel, as well as aerial surveillance, to ensure the safety of the devotees amid ongoing security concerns in the region.
Pilgrims endure a strenuous trek to the high-altitude cave, facing harsh weather, difficult terrain, and limited accessibility. The journey can be physically demanding, with risks from altitude sickness, cold temperatures, and unpredictable mountain conditions.
The Amarnath Yatra has ancient origins, with legends dating back thousands of years. It was formally revived in the 19th and 20th centuries and has grown significantly in scale, now attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. Modern security, infrastructure, and logistics have been developed to support the increasing numbers.