The annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on June 29, with the first group of pilgrims departing from the Baltal and Nunwan base camps, embarking on their spiritual journey to the 3,880-meter-high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas. According to reports, over 3.5 lakh devotees have registered for this year’s pilgrimage.The pilgrimage routes include the traditional 48-kilometer path from Nunwan-Pahalgam and the 14-kilometer trek from Baltal. Along these routes, 125 community kitchens, known as langars, have been established to cater to the needs of the pilgrims. These kitchens are manned by more than 6,000 dedicated volunteers, ensuring that participants receive ample food and support throughout their journey.The Amarnath Yatra is not only a significant religious event but also a testament to the spirit of communal harmony and service. The extensive preparations and volunteer involvement highlight the collective effort to facilitate a smooth and meaningful pilgrimage for all devotees.