Over 85,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave since the annual pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine began on July 2, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) said on Tuesday."On the 6th day of the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra today, 19,512 yatris paid obeisance at the holy cave. Till date 85,007 yatris had darshan of the ice lingam at the holy cave," said the SASB manages the affairs of the Hindu pilgrimage and is headed by state governor in a statement here.
"The SASB has released 4,100 slots on Tuesday for on-spot registration at various counters for the yatra commencing on July 9 from the two access control gates at Baltal and Chandanwari.
"Further, 4,300 slots are being released on Wednesday (July 8) for on-spot registration at various counters commencing on July 10."The slots are available on first come first serve basis. The yatris have again been advised to undertake the Yatra on the respective date of registration to avoid any inconvenience," it said, adding the intending pilgrims who have not yet registered are advised to undertake advance registration which closes eight days prior to intended date of commencement of Yatra from the two access control gates.The SASB CEO has advised the pilgrims to follow the do's and don'ts issued by the shrine board and come well prepared.
"Yatris have been advised not to trek alone and always travel in a group on the yatra route to enable prompt action being taken in case of any emergency. Yatris have also been advised to always carry their Yatra Permit and any other identity card."As the earth, water, air, fire and sky are integral parts of Lord Shiva, the Base Camp and the entire Yatra routes are the abode of Shri Amarnathji. Yatris have therefore, been advised to respect the environment and do nothing to pollute it throughout the pilgrimage."