Anantnag: The Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace associated with the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, was accorded a traditional welcome at Bijbehara on Saturday as it commenced its final journey towards the Amarnath cave shrine.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag and Yatra Officer for the Pahalgam axis, Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, received the custodian of the holy mace, Mahant Deependra Giri, at Pujteng. Senior civil and police officials were also present on the occasion.
The procession, led by Mahant Deependra Giri, was accompanied by sadhus and devotees chanting devotional hymns.
Special prayers and rituals were performed at the Shiv Temple in Bijbehara and later at the historic Martand Tirth in Mattan. The Chhari Mubarak is scheduled to visit several traditional halts and temples, including the Gaurishankar Temple in Pahalgam, before proceeding towards the shrine.
The holy mace is expected to reach the Amarnath cave shrine on August 28, coinciding with Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan), marking the formal culmination of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.
Officials said all necessary arrangements, including security, traffic management, accommodation, sanitation, drinking water and other essential facilities, have been put in place to ensure the smooth and safe movement of the Chhari Mubarak and accompanying devotees.
More than 4.80 lakh pilgrims have undertaken the yatra this year, which began on July 3.
The pilgrimage will conclude on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
