Pahalgam, July 5 -- A large number of devotees departed from Nunwan Base Camp on Saturday to begin their spiritual journey toward the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, located in the snow-clad Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir.

As the yatra progressed smoothly under tight security and improved facilities, pilgrims expressed their joy and faith.

While speaking to ANI, one of the pilgrims, Rajesh Giri, said, "I am barefoot. I have been barefoot for the last 40 years since birth... I am going to Shri Amarnath Ji for the 25th time. I will go on foot. I will pray that our Bharat continues to progress... The arrangements are very good..."

The Amarnath Yatra, a major annual pilgrimage in Hinduism, attracted both seasoned and first-time yatris.

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