First group of Baba Budha Amarnath Yatra pilgrims arrive in Poonch, welcomed by locals

Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 19 (ANI): The first group of 1500 Baba Budha Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from various parts of the country arrived in Poonch and were warmly welcomed by the local Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities. 
Suryia Narain, the Vice President of the All India Bajrang Dal and leader of the first group, was honoured by Bajrang Dal workers. The District Development Commissioner Poonch, Senior Superintendant of Police Poonch, and Commandant CRPF 38th Battalion were also honoured by Bajrang Dal members at Poonch. 
The first group will depart early tomorrow morning for the Baba Budha Amarnath Mandi Yatra in Poonch district, which is 30 kilometres from Poonch city, to visit the holy shrine, officials said
The Budha Amarnath Yatra will continue for the next 11 days.
The first batch of pilgrims for Budha Amarnath temple in Poonch commenced its spiritual journey from Jammu here on Friday morning.
Stating that all security arrangements have been made for the Yatra, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu, Mukesh Singh, wished pilgrims on their journey.
"All security arrangements have been made for the Budha Amarnath Yatra, which started today. The Yatra will continue for the next 11 days. Best wishes to all the yatris for their journey," ADGP Singh said while talking to the reporters.
Meanwhile, as the calendar edges closer to August 31, the administrative machinery in North Kashmir's Bandipora district is meticulously laying the groundwork for the imminent 'Chota Amarnath Yatra.'
Cradled within the enchanting expanse of Arin Valley's dense woodlands, atop a Himalayan mountaintop, rests the venerable Maha Daneshwar temple, fondly referred to as 'Chhota Amarnath.' Here, a celestial secret is held – an ice lingam, an organic formation that receives the tender caress of cascading water droplets.
The Yatra traces a 15-kilometre trajectory through the idyllic Arin-Dardpora belt, its meandering path navigating via Shampthan before culminating at the revered Chota Amarnath Cave. The local populace has lent an enthusiastic voice to this spiritual endeavour, intertwining their support with an impassioned call for enhanced infrastructure along the pilgrimage route.
With each passing day, as the 'Chota Amarnath Yatra' inches nearer, the very landscape resonates with supplications and arrangements. It's an intersection of unwavering devotion, communal harmony, and a shared pledge to ensure that every pilgrim's voyage is imbued with spiritual enrichment and utmost safety. (ANI)