Sringar, Aug 31 : The much-anticipated Chota Amarnath Yatra resumes after a gap of almost a decade in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Owais Ahmed, flagged off the procession of devoted pilgrims, marking a spiritual journey to the revered Chota Amarnath Holy Cave at Arin Dardpora.
Chota Amarnath Yatra holds immense significance for the devout, as it provides an opportunity to pay homage at the holy cave, which is considered to be an abode of Lord Shiva in the woods of Arin Dardpora. Pilgrims were eager to embark on the spiritual journey, an official spokesman said.
This year, the yatra was meticulously planned meticulously by district administration Bandipora after a round of deliberations with the local Kashmiri Pandit community.
Many developmental works were done for the first time along the yatra route so as to help the pilgrims.
Recent initiatives include the development of a track until Maha Daneshwar Temple, also known as Chota Amarnath Cave, the setting up of washrooms and langar facilities, the deployment of medical teams, and the provision of other basic amenities.
Besides local residents, many people from outside J&K also took part in the yatra, and efforts were made by the administration for the safe journey of such yatris.
A festive atmosphere was witnessed across Bandipora town and especially at Dardpora village, which is the start point of the yatra.
The DC informed that the 15-kilometre-long yatra will take place through the Arin-Dardpora route via Shamthan and finally to Chota Amarnath Cave.
UNI QAB ARN
Chota Amarnath Yatra resumes after decade in J&K’s Bandipora
