Srinagar, July 18, 2025: On Friday, 7,908 pilgrims left Jammu for Kashmir, one day after the Amarnath Yatra was postponed due to inclement weather. Since July 3, officials claim that more than 2.52 lakh yatris have participated in the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. "Today, a second group of 7,908 yatris traveled to the Valley in two escorted convoys from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas. The first escorted convoy of 92 vehicles carrying 2,879 yatris left for Baltal base camp at 3.30 a.m., and the second escorted convoy of 169 vehicles carrying 5,029 yatris left for Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp at 4.25 a.m., according to officials. On July 10, the Bhumi Pujan of "Chhari Mubarak," or Lord Shiva's Holy Mace, was performed in Pahalgam. A group of seers, led by the Chhari Mubarak's sole keeper, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, moved the Chhari Mubarak from its home in the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar to Pahalgam. The Bhumi Pujan was held at the Gauri Shankar temple in Pahalgam, where the Chhari Mubarak was transported. After that, the Chhari Mubarak was returned to its spot inside the Dashnami Akhara building. It will begin its final journey toward the cave shrine on August 4 from the Dashnami Akhara temple in Srinagar, and the Yatra will officially come to an end when it reaches the holy cave shrine on August 9. This year's Amarnath Yatra is being held after a cowardly attack on April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them based on their faith in the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam. As a result, authorities have set up extensive multi-tier security measures. To increase the strength of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police, 180 additional CAPF companies have been brought in. The Yatra will begin on July 3 this year and conclude on August 9 after 38 days, which coincide with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. The sacred cave shrine is reached by Yatris either via the more direct Baltal route, which is 3888 meters above sea level and is located in the Kashmir Himalayas. To reach the cave shrine, those who take the Pahalgam route walk 46 kilometers through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni. A pilgrim must trek for four days to reach the cave shrine. In addition, the shorter Baltal route requires a 14-kilometer trek to reach the cave shrine and return the following day to the base camp after darshan. This year, Yatris won't be able to use helicopters because of security concerns. An ice stalagmite structure that changes shape in accordance with the moon's phases is housed in the cave shrine. The ice stalagmite structure, according to devotees, represents the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.