SRINAGAR: The ongoing Amarnath Yatra saw a significant turnout of devotees on its 31st day, with more than 6,000 pilgrims paying obeisance at the revered cave shrine. Meanwhile, an additional batch of 1,006 pilgrims embarked on the journey from Jammu to the Valley on Tuesday.

Since the Yatra's commencement on July 1st this year, a remarkable number of over 3.97 lakh individuals have had the blessed opportunity to 'darshan' inside the holy cave.

Regrettably, the Yatra has witnessed the unfortunate loss of thirty-six pilgrims so far.

The latest batch of Yatris departing from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu includes 749 male, 215 female, two children, 37 Sadhus, and three Sadhvis, escorted in a convoy towards the Valley this morning.

Pilgrims undertake their journey to the Himalayan cave shrine via two routes: the traditional south Kashmir Pahalgam route, a challenging uphill trek of 43 kilometers from Pahalgam base camp, or the north Kashmir Baltal base camp route, involving a 14-kilometer uphill trek.

Those opting for the Pahalgam route typically take 3-4 days to reach the cave shrine, while those using the Baltal route return to the base camp on the same day after the sacred 'darshan,' as the cave shrine rests 3888 meters above sea level.

For the convenience of the Yatris, helicopter services are available on both routes.

The cave shrine is famed for housing an awe-inspiring ice stalagmite structure, believed by devotees to symbolize the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. This ice stalagmite structure undergoes waxing and waning in sync with the phases of the moon.

The Amarnath Yatra, spanning 62 days, commenced on July 1st and will conclude on August 31st, coinciding with the auspicious Raksha Bandhan festival on Shravan Purnima.

To ensure the well-being of pilgrims and mitigate high altitude sickness, authorities have implemented a ban on all junk food at the free community kitchens, known as 'langars,' established along both Yatra routes. The prohibited items include bottled drinks, halwai items, fried foods, and tobacco-based products.

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