Never knew Kashmir was so beautiful: First-time Yatris
Praise Valleys hospitality, beauty, spirit of brotherhood Srinagar, Jul 02: Yatri Niwas Pantha Chowk in Srinagar came alive with chants of Bam Bam Bhole, prayers and emotional scenes on Thursday as hundreds of first-time Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrims arrived in the Valley, many of them overwhelmed by Kashmirs breathtaking beauty and warm hospitality. From elderly devotees to youngsters, the atmosphere at the Yatri Niwas reflected a unique blend of spirituality, excitement and relief as pilgrims prepared to proceed towards the holy cave shrine through the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. For many first-time yatris, the journeyturned intofar more than a religious pilgrimage. Alongside faith and devotion, pilgrims said they were deeply touched by the kindness, compassion and brotherhood shown by the people of Kashmir. We never knew Kashmir was so beautiful and peaceful, said Meena Sharma, a pilgrim from Delhi, while admiring the mist-covered mountains surrounding the city. We had heard many things before coming here, but after arriving, all our fears disappeared. The people here welcomed us warmly and guided us at every step. We are taking back beautiful memories from Kashmir. The arrival of pilgrims filled the Yatri Niwas with energy and devotion as volunteers, officials and security personnel assisted devotees with directions, registration and accommodation. Pushpa Devi, a first-time yatri from Madhya Pradesh, said the Valleys natural beauty and hospitality made the spiritual journey even more memorable. The mountains, cool breeze and peaceful atmosphere make this place feel heavenly, she said. But what touched us most was the behaviour of the people. Shopkeepers, volunteers and even strangers were helping pilgrims selflessly. We feel respected and cared for here. Several women pilgrims said they felt safe and comfortable during their stay in Kashmir and appreciated the support extended by locals and security personnel. As women travellers, safety is always a concern during long journeys, but here we felt completely comfortable, said Rekha Joshi, who arrived with a group from Gujarat. Locals offered us water, directions and help whenever needed. The police and volunteers are guiding everyone patiently. Another woman pilgrim from Maharashtra said the atmosphere in Kashmir had changed her perception of the Valley. We used to see Kashmir only in photographs and on television, but seeing it in person is a completely different feeling, she said. The greenery, rivers and mountains are mesmerising, and the warmth of people makes the experience even more special. Elderly yatris, too, shared emotional accounts of the assistance they received from residents and volunteers. At this age, travelling and climbing are not easy, said 70-year-old Om Prakash from Haryana. But young boys here helped elderly pilgrims with luggage and guided us patiently. Their humanity and respect touched my heart. Another elderly pilgrim from Rajasthan, Shanti Lal Sharma, said his perception of Kashmir had changed completely after visiting the Valley. We came here with devotion for Baba Amarnath, but we are also taking back love and affection from Kashmir, he said. People here welcomed us like family members. This journey will remain in our hearts forever. Pilgrims also praised the administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies for maintaining smooth arrangements and ensuring a secure atmosphere. The arrangements are excellent, said Rajesh Tiwari from Uttar Pradesh. From Jammu to Srinagar, everything has been systematic. Security personnel are present everywhere and are helping devotees with patience and humility. However, many pilgrims urged authorities to simplify the registration process and increase the number of registration counters, particularly for senior citizens and first-time visitors unfamiliar with procedures. Registration should be easier and quicker, said a group of pilgrims from Punjab. Long queues become exhausting, especially for elderly people and women travelling with families. More counters and help desks would make the experience smoother. Some yatris also demanded separate assistance facilities for women and elderly devotees at registration and transit points. Despite minor inconveniences, pilgrims said the warmth of Kashmirs people and the spiritual atmosphere overshadowed every hardship. For us, this is no longer just a pilgrimage, said one elderly devotee while preparing for the onward journey. It has become a lesson in humanity, brotherhood and peace. The majority of the pilgrims urged the LG Manoj Sinha-led administration to set up additional registration counters so that every pilgrim can undertake a hassle-free journey. There should be more counters for registration, andcompletion offormalities should be donein a very speedy manner.After performing darshan at the holy cave shrine, we would like to visit tourist places and take a shikara ride in Dal Lake as well, a group of enthusiastic pilgrims said.
Amarnath Yatris receive grand welcome in Kashmir
First batch of 4,822 pilgrims greeted with garlands, sweets Devotees praise LG admin, police, locals for seamless arrangements Srinagar, Jul 02: Amid tight security arrangements, spiritual fervour and scenes of warmth and celebration, the 57-day annual Shri Amarnath Yatra formally commenced on Thursday with the arrival of the first batch of pilgrims in Kashmir, where devotees were accorded a grand welcome by civil administration, police officers, political representatives and locals. The first batch of 4,822 yatris was flagged off from Jammu by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in the early hours before proceedingtowardsthe holy cave shrine through the twin routes of Baltal in Ganderbal district and Chandanwari-Pahalgam in south Kashmirs Anantnag district. As the convoy reached Srinagars Yatri Niwas Pantha Chowk, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo and Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar Dr G V Sundeep Chakravorty welcomed the pilgrims with flower garlands and distributed sweets among them. The atmosphere reverberated with chants of Har Har Mahadev and Bam Bam Bhole as pilgrims stepped into the Valley with visible excitement and devotion. In south Kashmirs Anantnag district, National Conference MLA Altaf Kaloo and SSP Anantnag Amod Nagpure also received the yatris warmly, garlanding devotees and interacting with them as they proceededtowardsthe Pahalgam route.The pilgrims were received warmly at both base campsBaltal in Ganderbal district and Chandwari at Pahalgam, where officials from the administration, police and locals presented bouquets to them and also distributed sweets among the pilgrimsas a mark of Kashmirs age-old hospitality and communal harmony traditions. The beginning of the annual pilgrimage transformed parts of Kashmir into a scene of celebration and spirituality, with officials, volunteers and residents extending greetings and assistance to the devotees. Many pilgrims, especially first-time visitors, said the hospitality and arrangementshadexceeded their expectations. We had heard so much about Kashmir and the Amarnath Yatra, but the welcome we received here touched our hearts, said Neha Sharma, a pilgrim from Delhi travelling with her family.Theadministration has made excellent arrangements, and local people are treating us with kindness and respect. An elderly pilgrim from Gujarat, Mahesh Patel, said the arrangements from Jammu to Srinagar were smooth and highly organised. At this age, travelling long distances is difficult, but everything has been properly managed. Security forces are present everywhere, and medical teams are also available. We feel safe and comfortable, he said. Women pilgrims also praised the support extended by police personnel and volunteers.As women travellers, safety and facilities are our biggest concerns during such journeys, said Rekha Joshi from Maharashtra. But here, the police and officials are constantly guiding and helping us. Even the residents welcomed us warmly. It feels spiritually uplifting. Several yatris appreciated the efforts of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the administration for ensuringthesmooth conduct of the pilgrimage. The LG administration deserves appreciation for making such elaborate arrangements for lakhs of pilgrims, said Ramesh Kumar from Uttar Pradesh. Accommodation, transport, sanitation and security arrangements are all up to the mark. Pilgrims particularly lauded the role of Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF and other security agencies for maintaining a strong yet pilgrim-friendly atmosphere. The police personnel are not just providing security, they are also helping elderly pilgrims with directions, luggage and medical assistance, said a devotee from Rajasthan. Their behaviour has been very humble and cooperative. Another yatri from Punjab said the spiritual atmosphere in Kashmir made the journey even more memorable. The mountains, fresh air and devotion all around create a divine feeling. The warmth shown by Kashmiris has removed all fear and hesitation from our minds, he said. Officials said elaborate multi-layer security arrangements have been put in place for the 57-day pilgrimage, including surveillance, area domination, checkpoints, disaster response teams, medical camps and traffic management alongbothBaltal and Pahalgam routes. The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra, one of the countrys most significant Hindu pilgrimages, attracts lakhs of devotees every year who undertake the arduous journey to pay obeisance at the holy cave shrine housing the naturally formed ice Shivlingam. As the first batch of pilgrims moved towards Baltal and Pahalgam amid chants and prayers, the beginning of the yatra once again reflected Kashmirs enduring tradition of hospitality, communal harmony and spiritual coexistence.
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