As the first batch of pilgrims started its journey towards the Amarnath cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday morning, Aarti was performed at the shrine.
Authorities closed the Badrinath National Highway 7 (NH 7) at Chhinka in the State's Chamoli district leaving many commuters, including pilgrims and tourists travelling to and returning from the famed Badrinath shrine.
The pilgrims will undertake a 12-km journey from the base camp to the holy Amarnath cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas located at an altitude of about 13,000 feet.
The Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, took stock of food and lodging of the pilgrims, security, functioning of Joint Control Room, langer stalls, registration counters, power and water supply, health facilities, sanitation, transportation, de
The Lt Governor, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, took stock of food and lodging of the pilgrims, security, functioning of Joint Control Room, langer stalls, registration counters, power and water supply, health facilities, sanitation, transportation, deployment of
As the shrine is located very close to IB, the BSF and local police had also made elaborate security arrangements in the area to ensure the safety and security of devotees.
The PRO statement further informed that the army has established helipads at multiple locations for medical emergencies and to cater for other airlift requirements.
Devotees wearing short clothes have been banned entry to a century-old Jain temple in Shimla, with the authorities at the shrine defending the move citing the need to maintain discipline, decorum and values of the Hindu culture.
Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has entered into an agreement with the courier service firm, DTDC Express Limited, for providing logistics, packing and door-to-door speedy delivery of Prasad Boxes to the devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi across the country, said the Board officials.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday inaugurated Prasad-cum-Souvenir Counter of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in the departure area of Jammu Airport.
"This is for those who cannot reach the holy shrine. A courier service has also been developed to deliver Prasad to their homes," he said adding that it was the demand for piligrims for a long time.