Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, July 20: First batch of Shri Budha Amarnathji Yatra, with 816 pilgrims reached the base camp at Poonch town, about 235 kms from here this evening.
The yatris will leave for Mandi where shrine of Budha Amarnathji is located in the Pir Panjal ranges, about 24 kms from Poonch town. After performing ‘darshan’ and offering prayers, the devotees will leave for Jammu.
Dy Chief Minister Tara Chand flagged off the first batch of the pilgrims leaving for Shri Budha Amarnathji pilgrimage in Poonch, at Bhagwati Nagar base camp here this morning. Prominent among those who were present on the occasion included president Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnathji Yatri Nyas Surinder Aggarwal and Narinder Sharma. Under tight security, the pilgrims in nearly two dozen vehicles left for their destination.
Punjab Health Minister, Vijay Laxmi Chawala and Maha Mandleshwar 1008 Swami Vishavatma Anand Saraswatiji Maharaj were prominent among the first batch of pilgrims today. Several more vehicles joined the convoy on canal road.
Majority of the pilgrims in first batch are from Punjab, Harayana and Rajasthan.
At Sunderbani, the pilgrims were accorded warm reception by the prominent citizens, Tehsil administration and Army officials at the main Army Ground. Tents had been raised and breakfast was served to the pilgrims at the ‘Langar’ arranged jointly by religious and social organizations including Beopar Mandal Congress MLC Ravinder Sharma was also present. At Nowshera also, a large gathering accorded welcome to the pilgrims and offered tea, snacks and water.
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