The annual Amarnath Yatra began today simultaneously from both Baltal in Sonamarg and Chandanwari in south Kashmir's Pahalgam.<br/><br/>State Governor, who is also Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), reached the Holy Amarnath Cave early in the morning and participated in the customary Pratham (Initial) Pooja to kick off the annual 40 day Yatra.<br/><br/>The convoy of the first batch of pilgrims, including 1,811 men, 422 females and 47 sadhus, reached Valley late yesterday evening. While 698 left for the Baltal base camp, 1,535 pilgrims and 47 sadhus left for Pahalgam base camp.<br/><br/>The authorities have made a multi-layered security arrangement manned by the Army, CRPF, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), BSF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, from entry point to J&K in Lakhanpur to the Yatra base camps. The Yatra will conclude on 7th of August on the day of Shravan Purnima.<br/><br/>Adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra. All the concerned agencies have been asked to enforce sustained close watch and maintain effective co-ordination to ensure the smooth conduct of the Yatra.<br/><br/>Lakhs of people are expected to pay obeisance at the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine this year that is situated in the Himalayan mountain range nearly 14,000 feet above the sea level in South Kashmir's Anantnag district.<br/><br/>The cave houses an ice stalagmite structure that waxes and wanes with the size of the visible moon. This year over 2 lakh pilgrims have registered for the pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine and is likely to go up.

In Jammu & Kashmir, the annual Amarnath Yatra began today simultaneously from Baltal in Sonamarg and Chandanwari in south Kashmir's Pahalgam.<br/><br/>State Governor, who is also Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board reached the Holy Amarnath Cave early in the morning and participated in the customary Initial (Pratham) Pooja to commence the 40 day Yatra.<br/>The convoy of the first batch of pilgrims reached Valley last evening.<br/><br/>The authorities have made a multi-layered security arrangement manned by the Army, CRPF, SSB, BSF and the state Police.<br/><br/>Lakhs of people are expected to pay obeisance at the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine this year that is situated nearly 14,000 feet above the sea level in South Kashmir's Anantnag district.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, the second batch of the pilgrims left from Jammu this morning amid tight security.