Srinagar, Aug 11 (UNI) The annual pilgrimage was progressing smoothly as fresh batches of yatris left base camp for holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir, where over 2.77 lakh yatris had paid obeisance since the commencement of the 60-day-long yatra from June 28. A fresh batch of pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, camp for Kashmir valley to undertake the yatra to holy cave shrine from shortest Baltal and traditional Pahalgam tracks. On 44th day on Friday, 956 pilgrims had paid obeisance at the cave shrine, where more yatris are reaching since early this morning after having night halt at nearby camps. With this over 2.77 lakh pilgrims had 'darshan' at the cave shrine since June 28. Majority of the pilgrims had returned to their homes after the annual pilgrimage. However, many pilgrims are visiting tourist places while others are going to Mata Vaishnodevi shrine. A fresh batch of small number of yatris left Nunwan Pahalgam base camp for Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on traditional route. Meanwhile, pilgrims who had night halt at Chandanwari and other halting stations on traditional route have also started their foot journey towards the cave shrine. A fresh batch of pilgrims left Baltal base camp for the holy cave shrine this morning. They said the yatris started their foot journey early this morning towards the cave. The pilgrims are expected to reach the holy cave in the afternoon to pay obeisance after covering the 14 km hilly track on foot. The pilgrims who had night halt at cave shrine after darshan, have also started their return journey towards Baltal base camp.
