At least 81,630 pilgrims have performed this year’s AmarnathYatra since it began on July 1, while another batch of 4,773 pilgrims on Sundayleft Jammu for Kashmir Valley, officials said.
The yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escortedconvoys.
“Of these, 2,022 yatris are going to Baltal base campwhile 2,751are going to Pahalgam base camp,” a police officer said.
The 45-day long Amarnath Yatra started this year on July 1and will conclude on August 15 coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.
The regional Met Office has forecast generally cloudyweather along the two routes to the cave shrine on Sunday with possibility ofrain/thunderstorm in the afternoon.
The Met department has installed special weather forecastingequipment along Baltal and Pahalgam routes for accurate forecast.
The cave shrine is situated 3,888 metres above the sea-levelin Kashmir’s Himalayas. It houses an ice stalagmite structure that symbolisesmythical powers of Lord Shiva, according to the devotees.
The ice stalagmite structure waxes and wanes with the phasesof the moon.
Local Muslims have historically lent a helping hand toensure that their Hindu brethren are able to perform the pilgrimage with easeand convenience.
Two pilgrims have so far died of natural causes whileperforming the yatra.