Jammu,July 20 (Scoop News) – Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand today morning flagged off first batch of Shri Budha Amarnathji Yatra from base camp Yatri Niwas, Bhagwati Nagar.
The annual pilgrimage involves paying obeisance at the cave shrine of Lord Shiva located in Pir Panchal range of the border district Poonch.
In the batch, total of 307 pilgrims including 176 males, 124 females and 7 children in 10 vehicles left for their onward journey to the hill shrine.
Prominent among those who were presented on the occasion included, President, Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnathji Yatri Nyas Surinder Aggarwal and Narinder Sharma.
Praying for smooth and safe yatra, the Deputy Minister said government has made elaborate arrangements for the convenience of the yatris and district administration is fully geared up for the yatra.
He said the pilgrimage has special significance for the devotees and is part of series of yatras that are undertaken by the devotees in different parts of the State, adding that government is committed towards promoting pilgrim tourism in the State and for the purpose different boards like SASB and SMVDSB have been established.
Directing all concerned departments to ensure full proof Yatra related arrangements, Tara Chand passed instructions for ensuring best possible facilities in order to make the pilgrimage a pleasant experience for the devotees, adding that all required assistance would be provided to the yatris.