Anantnag, 27th August: Amarnath Yatra, according to Head Priest Mahant Deependra Giri, is “a symbol of faith”: According to Mahant Deependra Giri, the Yatra is always warmly welcomed by the Muslims in J&K.
Speaking to Giri, he expressed his joy that the Amarnath Yatra, during which people from all over the nation and beyond paid respects to the sacred cave, was extended this year to a duration of 62 days.
“This year, everything was normal, and because of the conditions, the Amarnath Yatra, which drew people from all over the globe, was extended to 62 days. According to information currently available, around 4.50 lac worshippers have already visited the sacred cave, said Giri.
The head priest said, “I am satisfied with the arrangements made by the J&K Government,” when questioned about the arrangements. I also spoke with others who had tremendous well-being while on pilgrimage. Prior to the Yatra, which would last for four to five months, the administration had prepared the necessary arrangements.
“During the Yatra, pilgrims were greatly helped. The authorities extended the track that leads to the sacred cave. Additionally, the necessary preparations for the Yatra were up to par, and participants from India and beyond responded well to this year’s Yatra, he stated.
According to him, this year’s pilgrimage flow was somewhat reduced by flash floods in Himachal and Punjab, but more than 4.50 lac pilgrims have already visited the holy cave.
He said, “Mankind is all one. In essence, we are all one. We are only divided from one another by our egos and beliefs.
The chief priest described the Amarnath Yatra as “a symbol of faith” and noted that pilgrims are travelling from all over the world. He also said that while J&K is a mostly Muslim state, Kashmiris have been very kind and generous to their non-Muslim compatriots throughout the Yatra.
In particular, the annual Amarnath Yatra 2023 began on July 1 and will end on August 31. On July 1 of this year, the first arriving group of pilgrims were escorted out of Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp by Lieutenant Governor J&K Manoj Sinha.
