Registrations Begin for Amarnath Yatra; Long Queues at Banks

Offline registrations for the Amarnath Yatra have officially begun, leading to long queues outside designated bank branches. Devotees eager to undertake the sacred pilgrimage have started registering for the annual spiritual journey. This year, the Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3, and will be held via two main routes.

The two pilgrimage routes include a 48-kilometre path through Pahalgam in Anantnag district of South Kashmir, and a 14-kilometre shorter route through Baltal in Ganderbal district. The Yatra will conclude on August 9, which also marks the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) has made all necessary arrangements for registration. Advance registration can be done at 540 bank branches across India, and there is also an option for online registration via the official website of the board.

Pilgrims below the age of 13 and above the age of 75 are not eligible for registration. Additionally, women who are more than six weeks pregnant are also not permitted to undertake the Yatra.

Last year, approximately 5.12 lakh pilgrims visited the Amarnath shrine, marking the highest number in the past 12 years.