Jammu, Apr 15: Registration for the annual Amarnath Yatra began on Wednesday, witnessing a heavy turnout of devotees at registration counters across Jammu.
Authorities have opened the process in both online and offline modes to facilitate pilgrims. The 57-day yatra is scheduled to begin on July 3 and will conclude on Raksha Bandhan, August 28.
Pilgrims can undertake the journey through two routes — the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam track in Anantnag and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal.
Officials said there has been a strong response from devotees since early morning, with long queues seen outside bank branches. Punjab National Bank, the nodal bank for the yatra, is managing the registration process along with other banks.
Speaking to reporters, PNB Jammu Circle Head Pankaj Kumar Verma said a large number of pilgrims are coming forward to register. He added that across the country, 556 bank branches have been designated for registration, including a significant number operated by PNB.
Many devotees expressed enthusiasm about undertaking the pilgrimage. Some said they arrived early to secure their registration in the first batch, while others highlighted improvements in facilities and better overall conditions in the region.
Pilgrims from outside Jammu and Kashmir have also begun arriving for registration, with several stating that the yatra has become a regular annual spiritual journey for them.
Officials said efforts are being made to streamline the registration process further, anticipating a higher turnout this year. (KINS)
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