The annual Amarnath Yatra is commencing from July 3 and will culminate end on August 9. Though, following Pahalgam terror attack, there has been a sudden drop in the registration process, the administration here is confident that finally the Yatris will turn up in good numbers. The Shrine Board and the Jammu and Kashmir administration has been working tirelessly to ensure a secure Yatra and lots of steps have been taken to ensure all facilities to the Yatris.
The Amarnath Cave’s history intertwines with both Hindu mythology and a popular re-discovery story. While ancient texts like the Puranas and Rajatarangini mention the cave, a well-known legend attributes its rediscovery to a Muslim shepherd named Buta Malik. He received a sack of coal from a sadhu, which turned into gold, and upon returning to thank the sadhu, he found the cave and the ice Shivlinga. Buta Malik’s predecessors were associated with the Yatra for a long time. Malik family continued to play significant role in the management of Yatra, with their association lasting in 2001as Shri Amarnath Shrine Board was established.
While Amarnath Yatra is one of the holiest pilgrimages for Hindus, it is too strongly connected with Kashmiri Muslims’ culture and civilization. Some historians say that one of the most loved king of Kashmir, Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, properly known as Badshah, acknowledged the sacred nature of the holy Cave and granted patronage in 15th century. Kashmiri Muslims have all along been welcoming the Yatris, not only those who are associated with the Yatra directly but the common populace too has been contributing to make this pilgrimage successful. A noted humourist and poet, Zareef Ahmad Zareef remembers how in his young age he saw a top Kashmir Muslim religious leader praying with teary eyes for the safety of Yatris as he saw weather turning cloudy. This is what Yatra and Yatris mean to the local populace.
Now that this year’s Yatra is commencing in a few days, while the administration has taken all the steps to ensure a smooth and secure Yatra, Kashmiri populace too is gearing up to receive the guest who are on a spiritual journey. The administration should take all necessary steps to ensure that all basic facilities are available for the Yatris enroute holy Cave. Kashmiri politicians, civil society members, social and religious leaders besides general netzines should use their respective social media handles to invite and welcome the Yatris to send a strong message that Kashmir is safe for them and they are all welcome.
