Bandipora, Aug 28 (KNO): The annual Chota Amarnath Yatra, also known as the Maha Dhyaneshwar Yatra, began here in North Kashmir on Friday with 108 devotees embarking on a 7.5-km trek through the dense forest terrain to a naturally formed ice lingam at a sacred cave in Dardpora village.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the pilgrimage, traditionally observed on Sharvani Purnima, was flagged off from the Sharda Mata Temple in Kaloosa by Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Zaffar Hussain in the presence of Senior Superintendent of Police Ajaz Ahmad Zargar.
Pilgrims comprised youngsters, women and elderly devotees who set out amid tight security arrangements for the annual pilgrimage to the Maha Dhyaneshwar temple, popularly known as Chhota Amarnath.
The sacred site, located amid dense forests of Dardpora, is revered for a naturally formed ice lingam over which water droplets fall from above, creating a distinctive religious and natural spectacle.
Officials said elaborate arrangements had been put in place for the pilgrims, including security, parking, drinking water, medical facilities and deployment of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
ADC Hussain said, "We ensured that all necessary provisions -- ranging from security and parking to water supply, medical facilities and SDRF deployment -- were in place, striving to make pilgrims feel even better than last time."
In a notable display of communal harmony, local Muslims in Dardpora welcomed the pilgrims as they passed through the village and offered hospitality to the devotees.
The warm reception by residents highlighted the tradition of local communities coming together to facilitate the annual pilgrimage and promote peace and brotherhood in the area.
Opender Krishna Koul, coordinator of the Maha Dhyaneshwar Yatra, said the pilgrimage has become an important occasion for promoting peace and harmony and bringing visitors from different parts of the region to Bandipora.
He said that the pilgrimage continues to face infrastructure-related challenges but said efforts were underway to improve facilities and raise awareness about the destination. "We are including trekking and cultural experiences to appeal to a broad audience," he said, adding that the event would continue to evolve with the aim of attracting more local and outside visitors.
The organisers said they hope to expand the scope and visibility of the yatra in the coming years, combining its religious significance with the region's trekking and cultural attractions—(KNO)