About 2.19 lakh have darshan so far as fresh batches leave for holy Cave

Srinagar: “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bum Bum Bolay” rented in the air as fresh batches of Yatris left Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam base camps for the holy Cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, where so far about 2.19 Lakh devotees had paid obeisance since the commencement of the 48-day-long yatra from July 2. Despite cloudy weather, the pilgrimage was going on smoothly, though the number of pilgrims had dropped, a Yatra official told UNI this morning.

He said about 100 worshippers, mostly having night halt at Panjterni on the traditional Pahalgam track, have paid obeisance since this morning at the cave shrine. He said yesterday, 360 Yatris had darshan at the cave shrine. With this a total of 218679 devotees had paid obeisance since last night. The majority of the pilgrims had returned to their homes.

A fresh batch of worshippers, chanting “Har Har Mahadev” and Bum Bum Bolay” left Nunwan Pahalgam base camp for Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on the traditional route. Meanwhile, pilgrims who had night halt at Chandanwari and other halting stations, including Sheshnag, Mahaguns and Pisso top, have also started their faith journey towards the cave shrine, early this morning.

He said a fresh batch of yatris left Baltal base camp early this morning for the cave shrine. The pilgrims will have to cover the hilly distance on foot and are likely to reach the cave shrine this afternoon to pay obeiesance. Meanwhile, the devotees who had night halt at the cave shrine after paying the obeisance have also left for Baltal base camp. (UNI)