Ahead of the annual pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas that is set to commence from June 29, the registration process for the pilgrims start today.
The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) announced on Sunday that the advance registration for the 52-day-long yatra will start on April 15.
The annual yatra takes place from the twin tracks — the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Check Out the Yatra Registration Process
The pilgrimage board has advised pilgrims to adhere to the given registration process and guidelines in order to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
The registration fee for the 2024 Yatra is Rs 150 per person and will be conducted on first-come, first-serve basis.
Pilgrims need to complete the registration process using biometric eKYC authentication in real-time with the help of designated bank branches.
The travellers should also register with a valid Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued by an authorized doctor, Aadhar Card, or a government-recognized valid identity card obtained on or after April 8, 2024.
Following the registration, pilgrims are required to collect the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card from designated centers in Jammu and Kashmir divisions before commencing the journey.
No passenger will be allowed to cross the entry control gate at Domel/Chandanwadi without a valid RFID card.
If a traveller needs to know the list of designated bank branches, along with the CHC format and authorized doctors/medical institutions, it can be found on the SASB website.
Do’s & Don’ts for Yatris
Dos
- It is mandatory for every registered Yatri to collect his / her RFID Card from designated locations in Jammu / Kashmir Division before embarking on the Yatra.
- Carry your Aadhaar details for collecting RFID Cards
- Wear your RFID tag on your neck at all times during Yatra for safety & security.
- Do carry sufficient woolen clothing as the temperature may sometimes abruptly fall to below 5 degree Celsius.
- Do carry umbrella, wind cheater, raincoat, and waterproof shoes as the weather in the Yatra area is unpredictable.
- Do keep your clothes and eatables in a suitable water proof bag to avoid your belongings getting wet.
- Do keep in your pocket a note containing the name / address, mobile telephone number of any Yatri proceeding for Darshan on the same date as you are doing, for emergency purposes.
- Do carry your identity card / driving license and Yatra permit with you.
Don’ts
- No registered yatri shall be allowed to emabark on Yatra without RFID card.
- Don’t ignore the symptoms of high altitude illness.
- Don’t drink alcohol, caffeinated drink, or smoke.
- Don’t stop at places which are marked by warning notices.
- Don’t use slippers because there are steep rises and falls on the route to the Holy Cave. Only wear trekking shoes with laces.
- Don’t attempt any short cuts on the route as doing so would be dangerous.
- Do not do anything during your entire forward/return journey which could cause pollution or disturb the environment of the Yatra area.Use of plastics is strictly banned in the State and is punishable under law.
Disaster Response Team Ready Ahead of Pilgrimage
With just a few months left before yatra, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel are receiving specialised training to be part of the Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees.
According to the officials, MRTs comprising personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, SDRF, NDRF, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be deployed at nearly a dozen identified critical spots on the twin routes to the holy cave shrine.
The in-charge of the Jammu and Kashmir MRT Team Ram Singh Salathia said, “The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will start in Jammu and Kashmir in June and will last for about two months. Lakhs of devotees from all over the country will come to worship ‘Baba Barfani. During the yatra, the pilgrimss will have to face difficulties. To deal with the situation, Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) is undergoing training in District Samba to assist the travellers.”
“The forces are being given thorough training in the hilly areas so that these soldiers can easily overcome any disaster and help people in trouble during the pilgrimage journey,” he added.
