Ranchi: The first batch of pilgrims for the Baba Amarnath Yatra departed from Pahadi Mandir in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on Sunday.
The pilgrims will first reach Muri, from where they will depart for Jammu by train. The pilgrimage group is being led by Manoj Kumar Jaiswal, who has been undertaking the Baba Amarnath Yatra for 34 consecutive years.
Shubham Kumar Jaiswal, the Ranchi Metropolitan Secretary, flagged off the group with best wishes, applying tilak to the pilgrims and presenting them with ceremonial stoles (angavastras).
Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including Nayan Kumar Sinha, Deputy Mayor Neeraj Kumar, Shailesh Jaiswal, Avinash Kumar (alias Munna), Shravan Sinha, and Vikas Verma.
The organizers stated that pilgrims who could not complete prior registration would have their registration done in Jammu. Subsequently, the first batch will set out for prayers at the Baba Amarnath Cave on July 3 and will have darshan (viewing/worship) of Baba Barfani on July 6.
According to the itinerary, the pilgrims will also visit and offer prayers at the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Srinagar, Raghunath Temple in Jammu, Mata Vaishno Devi Dham, and the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Upon returning to Ranchi, they will also offer prayers at Baba Baidyanath Dham and Baba Basukinath in Deoghar, as well as the Tarapith Temple in West Bengal.
Before departing, the pilgrims prayed to Baba Barfani for the peace and prosperity of Jharkhand, the state’s all-round development, and the well-being of its residents. Harshita Jaiswal welcomed all the pilgrims embarking on the Amarnath Yatra and prayed to Lord Bholanath for a safe and successful journey.
