The number of pilgrims paying obeisance at the 3,880-metre high cave shrine of Shri Amarnath on Wednesday crossed the three-lakh mark, first time in four years and then it was 59-day long.

According to officials, on the 24th day of the ongoing Yatra, 7,778 Yatris paid obeisance at the Cave shrine and cumulatively sincethe beginning of the pilgrimage on July 1, 3,01,818 Yatris had darshan at the shrine.

Umang Narula, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board informed Governor Satya Pal Malik that the Yatra had crossed the three lakh mark four years ago in 2015 which was a 59 day long Yatra.

“Governor expressed satisfaction over increased flow of Yatris this year and recorded high appreciation of the coordinated effort made by the various concerned State Government departments and agencies, Army,Central Armed Police Forces, J&K Police, Shrine Board, all local stakeholders, and the Civil and Police officers of the State Government deployed as Camp Officers for the smooth conduct of Yatra,” an official statement said.

“He also appreciated the people of the Valley, particularly of Anantnag and Ganderbal districts, for their strong support and whole hearted participation in this annual pilgrimage” the statement said further, adding,“He wished the Yatris who are registered for pilgrimage in the coming dates, asafe and a satisfactory pilgrimage.”