Over 3 lakh have darshan of Shiv Lingam
Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board instructs pilgrims to judiciously follow instructions for smooth conduct of Yatra
Srinagar ( Kashmir), July 12 – Governor of Jammu Kashmir, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, reviewed the movement of the Yatris to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji at a meeting with Chief Executive Officer, and other officers of the Shrine Board here today.
Taking note of the improvement in the weather conditions in the Yatra area and the subsequent smooth movement of the Yatris on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, the Governor reiterated the need for twice a day inspection at the Base Camps and all the Camps along the tracks, and at the Holy Cave. He asked the CEO to immediately provide additional facilities for cleanliness at Sheshnag, Panjtarni and in the Holy Cave area, keeping in view the number of pilgrims who had visited these three Camps in the past 12 days.
Shri Amarnathji Yatra to the Holy Cave Shrine has been progressing satisfactorily today on both the tracks from the base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam and more than 15,000 pilgrims today left base camps for the Holy Cave Shrine. So far over 3 lakh yatris have paid obeisance to the self made ice-Shivlingam of Shri Amarnathji since the pilgrimage started on June 29
Referring to the weather forecast for next 5 days, from 13th July to 17th July, Mr. Goyal stated that the sky is likely to remain cloudy in the Kashmir Division. Giving further details of the forecast provided by the Meteorological Department, he said that the sky will remain partly cloudy on 13th, 15th and 17th July, 2011. However, light rain is expected on 14th July while as the forecast for 16th July is generally cloudy sky with light rain/thundershower
The CEO also reiterated his earlier several appeals regarding the adherence to the Board’s Advisories (Do’s and Don’ts) and added that the Yatris must not stop at places which are marked by warning notices; must not smoke or carry/consume any kind of narcotic or alcoholic substance; not to use slippers, as there are steep rises and falls on the route to the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnathji. They must wear shoes with laces and not attempt any short cuts on the route, as doing so would be dangerous, nor try to overtake others in difficult stretches of the track.
He said that as the Yatra traverses through high mountains, facing strong winds, the Yatris need to carry adequate woolen clothing, a small umbrella (which covers the head with an elastic band around the forehead and supported by a strap around the chin), wind-cheater, raincoat, sleeping bag, waterproof shoes, torch, walking stick with a proper hand grip, cap (preferably a monkey cap), gloves, jacket, woolen socks and trousers. He added that these are essential as the climate is unpredictable and changes abruptly from sunny weather to rain or snow and the temperature may sometimes abruptly fall to 5 degree Celsius or lower. For ladies, saree is not a suitable dress for the Yatra. Salwar kameez, pant-shirt or a track-suit will be more comfortable.
Before hiring a pony, dandi or a labourer the Yatri must satisfy himself that the ponywalla, the labourer or the dandiwalla is duly registered and carries an ID card. The Yatris can do the hiring at rates fixed by the local administration, at the camps at Baltal, Nunwan (Pahalgam), Panjtarni etc. The pilgrims must take care to see that the porters and horses/ponies with their luggage move close to them as it may be difficult to trace them in case they get separated from each other. This is necessary as the Yatris may suddenly need something from their luggage. During the Yatra from Pahalgam/Baltal onwards the Yatris must keep their clothes and eatables in a suitable waterproof bag to avoid these getting wet.
The Yatris have been further advised to carry sufficient money to pay for their accommodation at Base Camps and at other halting stations enroute the Holy Cave and for meeting other personal requirements. To enable the Yatra authorities to take urgent necessary action in case a Yatri is involved in any emergency, the Yatris are advised to keep in their pockets a note containing the name/address/mobile telephone number of any other Yatri proceeding for Darshan on the same date and route as they are following.
hey must also carry their identity card/driving license and the Yatra Permit issued by the Shrine Board. Every Yatri is advised to carry all the medicines which he takes daily and, besides, some general medicines such as Glucose, Disprin, Combiflam, Move/Iodex, etc. They should also carry a water bottle, dry fruits, roasted baked grams/channa, toffees, sufficient chocolates, etc. for use during the journey. Further, the Yatris should keep some Cold Cream/Vaseline/Sun Screen with them to protect the skin from the cold winds/sun.
They have also been advised to keep dark glasses/goggles handy. While trekking, they need to relax for a short while on steep inclines and not exert beyond their normal capacity. The best way to complete the Yatra trek is to maintain a slow and steady pace and not unnecessarily exhaust/tire themselves by walking fast. The Yatris must also follow the instructions issued by the Yatra Administration from time to time.
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