Tips for pilgrims going on Amarnath Yatra

Hyderabad: Despite inclement weather and snow-covered tracks, many more from the city are queuing up to register for the Amarnath Yatra this year as compared to last year.

So far, over 3,200 people have already registered through the nominated banks, whereas another 800 people have registered through private tour operators, showing an increasing trend.

The pilgrimage to witness the ice lingam at Amarnath that started on June 28 has already witnessed over 2 lakh devotees.

As per the official press release by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, a total of 2,31,891 pilgrims from across the country have paid obeisance at the holy cave since the commencement of the Yatra.

This year, over 10 branches of the Punjab National Bank (PNB) and one branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank have been nominated across the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to facilitate the registration process for the Yatra.

Punjab National Bank branches at Visakhapatnam, Nellore, Medak, Krishna, Chittoor, Kadapa, Guntur, Karimnagar and Hyderabad and one Jammu and Kashmir Bank branch at Pathergatti have been receiving over 15 registrations on an average.

The final day for registrations has been extended from July 28 to August 2, 2014. In 2013, the quota of registrations was increased from 800 to 2,200 at the Jammu and Kashmir Bank Branch owing to the demand. The J&K Bank branch at Pathergatti has already received about 1,350 registrations, a rise from last year.

“The number of registrations are definitely increasing by the years. We get about 15 such registrations every day,” said  Shagufta Khaliq, associate executive at the bank.

Meanwhile the Punjab National Bank, Himayatnagar branch, has recorded 840 registrations.

“There is quite a surge this time around. The rule this time is to issue a registration form at least eight days before the travel date, considering the weather priorities and public gathering,” said Krishnaveni Sharma, manager, PNB, Himayatnagar.

The Indian Meteorological Department website has been regularly updating the weather status with a seven-day forecast for pilgrims including the route map, yatra route weather advisory, low-level wind and temperature charts for helicopter operation.

A satellite bulletin is also released everyday to enable pilgrims and tourists to plan their trip properly.