Jammu: In what marks a historic high for the ongoing annual pilgrimage, a record single-day contingent of 9,837 devotees departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas here on Wednesday, heading for the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal.
An official told news agency Kashmir News Service the seventh batch, which rolled out in a massive convoy of 361 vehicles under a multi-layered security umbrella, represents the largest single-day exodus since the 57-day yatra commenced on July 3. Officials confirmed that 5,337 pilgrims in 188 vehicles are taking the traditional, longer Pahalgam route, while 4,500 devotees in 173 vehicles have embarked on the shorter but arduous Baltal track.
Among the departing yatris are 6,684 men, 2,730 women, 21 children, 320 sadhus, 80 sadhvis, and two transgender devotees, reflecting the diverse cross-section of faith drawn to the holy cave shrine.
A palpable surge of spiritual fervour gripped the Bhagwati Nagar base camp from the early hours, as pilgrims from across the country assembled, their backpacks laden with essentials, awaiting their turn to begin the Himalayan trek.
Authorities have put in place an extensive logistical framework, with the administration, police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and health services operating in tandem to ensure a seamless journey.
The pilgrimage, which is being conducted under a stringent security grid, will continue until August 28, culminating on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
With the numbers already breaking previous records, all eyes are now on the administration’s capacity to manage the swelling tide of devotion in the days ahead.
