In Jammu and Kashmir, the annual yatra to the Holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnathji in the Kashmir Himalayas, commenced formally today on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes with state Governor and Chairman of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, N.N. Vohra paying obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum and performing puja amidst chanting of Vedic mantras.

Meanwhile, another batch of 2,185 pilgrims left for the cave shrine from Baghwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp today amid tight security in a cavalcade of 66 vehicles. Second batch of pilgrims included 985 males, 578 females, 322 children and 300 sadhus.

AIR Correspondent reports that after performing Puja at the Holy cave Shrine, the Governor again reviewed the overall arrangements made for the yatries and expressed satisfaction at the support extended by the State Government, Army, State Police, central para military forces and other agencies.

The 39 day long pilgrimage will culminate on Sawan Purnima coinciding with Raksha Bandhan which falls on August 2, 2012 .