Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 19: The inaugural function of annual Buda Amarnath yatra starting from here tomorrow was held at Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas this evening. The function was organized by Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas and a large number of people attended it.
The Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand was the chief guest on the occasion while Raj Mata of Vijay Nagar, Hyderabad Chanderkanta was the guest of honour. The function among others was attended the Health Minster of Punjab, Laxmi Chawla, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Sanjeev Verma, Commissioner JMC , K L Khajuria, Dr Rama Kant Dubey, President VHP, Surinder Aggarwal, president of the Niyas, Maha Mandleshwar, Mahant Ram Dass, national co-convener BD, Rajesh Pandey and Nand Kishore, state convener BD.
The first batch of yatra will leave from here early tomorrow morning for darshan of Buda Amarnath.
Describing unity among diversity and brotherhood as biggest strength of the country, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Tara Chand today said people from different faiths and backgrounds live together and work together to make the country one of the greatest and strongest Nation of the world.
Lauding efforts of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Mr. Tara Chand said the government along with the boards is committed to provide all required facilities to the visiting devotees. He said Shri Amarnath ji yatra has already crossed five lakhs mark and visitors to Mata Vaishno Devi ji have also broken earlier records by increasing to over one crore.
“Efforts done by the boards are commendable and the government is fully geared up to provide all needed requirements for the benefit of the yatris,” he added.
He welcomed the yatris to the Budha Amarnath yatra and wished them a safe and sound pilgrimage.
In her address Raj Mata lauded the role of BD and Yatri Niyas in organizing the Amarnath and Buda Amarnath yatra despite the threat of militants. She said the people of J&K should not feel themselves alone as entire nation is with them. She said the Buda Amarnath yatra has become a pilgrimage round the year now as a large number of yatris throughout the year visit the shrine to pay their obeisance.
Rajesh Pandey said over 1.5 crore yatris from rest of country visit various shrines in J&K and it is duty of Government to ensure their security as they are a mjor support to state economy.
The welcome address was made by Dr Rama Kant Debey.
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