Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of 4,890 pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra from the Jammu base camp.
The Yatra resumed after a gap of 3 years.
In 2019, the Yatra was cancelled midway ahead of the Centre abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution.
In 2020 and 2021, it did not take place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is believed that the footfall of pilgrims this time for the 43-day Yatra could be a record high.
Glimpses of the start of the Yatra.
IMAGE: Sadhus chant religious slogans while boarding a bus as the second batch of pilgrims leaves the Ram Mandir base camp for the Amarnath Yatra 2022. Photograph: PTI Photo
IMAGE: Pilgrims proceed for the cave shrine at an altitude of 3,880 metres at Chandanwari in Anantnag district, south Kashmir. Photograph: S Irfani/PTI Photo
IMAGE: Security personnel stand guard as pilgrims proceed towards the cave shrine. Photograph: S Irfani/PTI Photo
IMAGE: Pilgrims on the way to the Amarnath cave shrine, near the Nunwan base camp, at Pahalgam in Anantnag district. Photograph: S Irfani/PTI Photo
IMAGE: The first batch of pilgrims cross the mountain trails using palanquins on their way to the Amarnath cave through the Baltal route. Photograph: ANI Photo
IMAGE: Pilgrims walk the mountrain trail. Photograph: ANI Photo
IMAGE: A handicapped Yatri walking on the mountain trail. Photograph: ANI Photo
IMAGE: Security personnel keeps a watch on the pilgrims.
Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com
IMAGE: The first batch of pilgrims move towards the cave.
Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com
IMAGE: Porters help the pilgrims cross the mountain trail.
Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com
IMAGE: Devotees chant slogans.
Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com
IMAGE: Security personnel maintain a strict vigil enroute to the shrine.
Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com
Photograph curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com
Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com