Registration for the Amarnath yatra commences across 140 counters

Nitesh Sangral

5/10/2011 9:02:40 PM

JAMMU, May 10: The Amarnath Yatra registration being today across 149 centres established across the country including Jammu and Kashmir. The pilgrimage will start from June 29. Hundreds of people today visited Jammu and Kashmir (JK) bank branches across the country including 121 branches in the state, 24 branches of YES Bank and 4 branches of District Cooperative Banks also give registration slips. Official’s source said that the concerning banks also deployed separate stall and people to making all the arrangements for the smooth working during registration time for face problem to any pilgrims. He said the registration form, along with the payment of handling charges of Rs15 per pilgrim. He further said that every registered pilgrim has been provided, an accidental insurance cover of Rs1 lakh at the cost of the shrine board. A number of healthcare facilities are also being set up along the route. He disclosed that the last year, more than 450,000 pilgrims visited the Amarnath shrine to worship a stalagmite of snow inside the cave that is believed to be an embodiment of the deity. Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) appealed to the pilgrims to carry all the medicines which you take daily and, also some general medicines such as Glucose, Disprin, Combiflam and move. The pilgrims also carry a water bottle, dry fruits for use during the journey. SASB advised to all pilgrims to strictly follow the instructions issued by the Yatra Administration from time to time. Local’s people also installed eating stall and Medical facilities in the different areas of the state for the Amarnath pilgrims to easily reach in the Jammu without any problems. The pilgrims also are taking the benefits these facilities. The annual summer pilgrimage to the 13,500-ft high Himalayan cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in south Kashmir usually faces uncertainties because of the unpredictable weather conditions and security concerns. The present clear weather in the valley and the mountains is seen as a positive sign. The registration is open online as well as across the 149 branches of various banks across the country. Some of the Hindu groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), have been pressing for a minimum duration of two months for the pilgrimage to enable more pilgrims to visit the shrine. Last year, more than 450,000 pilgrims visited the Amarnath shrine to worship a stalagmite of snow inside the cave that is believed to be an embodiment of the deity.