New Delhi: More than 29,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir in the first three days of the annual pilgrimage. The 40-day yatra began from the twin routes of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district on June 29 amid tight security arrangements. On the third day of the pilgrimage yesterday, 14,953 pilgrims offered prayers at the cave shrine raising the total number to 29,182, an official spokesperson said.

The annual yatra in Kashmir had begun amid terror threats, prompting the authorities to mobilise the highest level of security measures, including satellite tracking system. The government has mobilised a heavy security blanket of over 35,000 to 40,000 troops including the police, Army, BSF and CRPF as part of the multi-tier security for the pilgrimage.
The yatra will be eight days shorter this year against last year's 48 days and conclude on ShravanPurnima (RakshaBandhan) on August 7.

Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder Valley, Amarnath shrine stands at 3,888 metres, 46 km from Pahalgam and 14 km from Baltal.

Meanwhile, fourth batch of Amarnath pilgrims comprising 2,799 persons left for Kashmir Valley from Jammu this morning. They included 2,112 men, 503 women and 184 Sadhus. They left for Kashmir Valley from Bhagwati Nagar Jammu base camp, in a cavalcade of 90 vehicles, around 4 AM today.