Bandipora, August 28 : The annual Chota Amarnath Yatra was flagged off today from Sharda Mandir, Kaloosa, Bandipora, marking the beginning of the revered pilgrimage to the Chota Amarnath Holy Cave.

The Yatra was flagged off from Sharda Mandir, Kaloosa, by Senior Superintendent of Police Bandipora, Ajaz Ahmad Zargar, and Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl, in the presence of devotees, volunteers and local residents.
The Yatra holds deep spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Shiva and reflects the district’s rich tradition of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence. Pilgrims embarked on the sacred journey with devotion and faith, seeking blessings at the holy cave.
Members of the Muslim community from the area were also present on the occasion and warmly welcomed the Yatris, extending their heartfelt greetings and best wishes for a peaceful, safe and blessed Yatra.
The District Administration, in coordination with the Police and other concerned departments, had put in place necessary arrangements for the smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage. The arrangements included track development, sanitation facilities, langar services, medical support, security deployment and provision of safe drinking water along the route.
The 15-kilometre Yatra proceeds from Arin-Dardpora through Shampthan and culminates at the Chota Amarnath Cave. Adequate security personnel, medical teams and volunteers were deployed at key locations to facilitate the pilgrims and ensure a safe and hassle-free journey.
Among others, Additional Superintendent of Police Mir Murtaza Hussain Sohil, Assistant Regional Transport Officer Bandipora Mukhtar Ahmad Sofi and other officers of the district administration, volunteers, devotees and local residents were present on the occasion.