Getting ready for Amarnath Yatra in Himalayas of south Kashmir

Shri Amarnath ji Yatra is an annual festival of Southern Kashmir that is undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva in the Himalayan heights since time immemorial. It is one of the most significant cultural events of Kashmir that takes place with full hearted support of local people. The local economy receives a much-needed economic boost and the state administrative machinery can be seen performing at their best to ensure smooth conduct of the event.

The entire pilgrimage is conducted in the high-altitude area which remains covered with snow during most of the year. There is almost no vegetation at and around holy cave due to long spells of snow bound winters. Nature creates havoc sometimes in terms of cloud burst and flash floods during the yatra that really tests the faith and patience of the pilgrims. Certain death cases and injuries do occur during the time span of yatra since some of the devotees are not able to cope up with harsh weather condition and tough mountainous terrain. Therefore, it is very important that everyone visiting the holy shrine should try to get acclimatised so that the entire journey is incident free.

There are orders from the government that every pilgrim has to get himself or herself registered online at the given portal of Shri Amarnathji Yatra and medical fitness certificate of the nominated medical officer should be attached with the application of registration. Medical check-up is mandatory to undertake the Yatra. People with epilepsy, cardiac or lung related problems should avoid the journey.

As a preparatory measure for Amarnath Yatra, pilgrims must walk, jog or run a few kilometres every day to keep themselves physically fit. Pranayam and breathing exercises are recommended to expand the oxygen carrying capacity of the lungs. In case the local terrain permits, then one should try and practice climbing up and coming down the hill slope to tune up the body for movement in hill areas. Proper carriage of warm clothing and essential items including medicines should be made by the yatri. One has to be robust enough to physically sustain tough weather conditions. Due care should be taken while climbing and one must not hesitate to get medical assistance in case the need arises. Adequate medical facilities free of cost are established at various places by the organising agencies for the devotees during the yatra. Care should be taken to perform the yatra in stages so that the gain in altitude is gradual to avoid adverse impact on health.

One should try to have warm food and water during the yatra. Warm food is served free of cost round the clock by Bhandaras that are established throughout the yatra route. Care should be taken to keep the head covered, toes protected from chill and keep the body warm with layered winter clothing. Raincoats or umbrellas along with waterproof polythene sheets must be carried. In case one gets wet due to rain or inner clothing gets soaked in sweat, one should change it immediately. One should keep drinking liquids to avoid dehydration. In addition, one should carry rope, torch and a walking stick for use in times of need. Those who are under regular medication should carry their medicines and take care of their health. One should take precautionary measures and look for weather forecast related massages which is provided on the registered mobile number.

One should be aware of the symptoms of high-altitude sickness and consult medical staff in case of any emergency. Advice and precautions given by local agencies should be followed sincerely. If adequate care of health is taken by a pilgrim and necessary guidelines are followed, then the   whole journey can become incident free and enjoyable.

Ideas, Opinions and Views expressed in articles are Writer’s own and may not be in accord with those of The Morn