Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH/JAMMU, Aug 17: The first batch of 1830 pilgrims from various parts of the country on way to Shri Budha Amarnath ji at Mandi, arrived Poonch town here this evening.
The Ist batch comprising 940 pilgrims in 22 vehicles ( 20 buses and 2 LMVs) was flagged off from base camp at Bhagwati Nagar Jammu, by Vishav Hindu Parishad (VHP) National general secretary, Miland Prande and Bajrang Dal national convener, Sohan Singh Solanki in presence of State level VHP and Bajrang Dal leaders besides members of Baba Amarnath Yatra Nyas, Jammu. Most of the pilgrims were from Uttrakhand, Tamil Nadu, Harayana and Utter Pardesh. Some officials from local administration were also present on the occasion.
Some more vehicles joined them at Sunderbani and Rajouri. They were accorded warm welcome at Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri, Bhimber Gali and finally at Poonch base camp. A total 1830 pilgrims in 38 vehicles finally arrived Poonch this evening.
Deputy Commissioner Poonch Rahul Yadav, SSP Rajiv Pandey besides districts heads of VHP- Nishu Gupta, Bajrang Dal -Sourabh Sudan, Sanatan Dharam Sabha Poonch president Satish Sasan; Akhara Mandir Committee president, Basant Ram, DGPC Poonch president Narinder Singh and other prominent persons from Poonch city received the first batch of pilgrims. They garlanded the pilgrims and offered drinks, tea and snacks.
The pilgrims were accommodated in Akhara Mandir complex, ITI building and in two local Govt Higher Secondary schools for night halt. Langar, has been organized for the pilgrims at the Temple site.
Tomorrow morning, the first batch will leave for Shri Budha Amarnath Ji shrine at Mandi about 22 kms from Poonch. After performing ‘Darshan’ and offering special prayers, then the pilgrims will leave for Jammu. The District Administration has made elaborative arrangements for the comfortable stay of pilgrims and smooth conduct of yatra.
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