Pahalgam, July 3 : Head Priest Mahant Deepinder Giri who leads the holy mace of Lord Shiva during Annual Amarnath Yatra, Monday lauded the cooperation of local population during the annual Amarnath Yatra, saying “Kashmiri’s have always been supportive and welcomes Amarnath pilgrims with open arms”.
“People of Kashmir have always been supportive and welcomed Amarnath pilgrims with open arms,” Deepinder Giri said and added, “The local population has always shown their compassion and brotherhood towards Yatra and Yatri’s”.
He said every year they show their love, support and help the Yatri’s who come from different parts of the country to pay obeisance at the holy cave. “The love and support shown by Kashmiri’s gives a message of peace and harmony not only for people of India but across the length and breadth of globe. Kashmiri’s are known for their compassion and hospitality,” Deepinder Giri said.
He also said that I am glad today that the Yatra will continue for two months. “From 2004 the Yatra remained limited due to unavoidable circumstances. But today it is glad moment for us that it resumed back to its actual position,” he said.
Lauding the role of Kashmiri Muslims and J&K administration, the head priest said people as well as administration have always co-operated the Yatra. “There is a dominance of Sufi-ism in Kashmir. The local population is emotionally attached with the Yatra,” he added.
He continued that the local population without any religious bias supports the Yatra wholeheartedly.
Praising the efforts of the Government of J&K, the head priest said that from the last few years there has been a great improvement in facilities being provided to pilgrims. “With the passing of every year, the facilities are being improved. The efforts pressed by the administration are commendable,” he said and added, “There is a space to improve further on this front”.
He appealed to Kashmiri Muslims to shower more love to Amarnath pilgrims so that more people will come for Yatra in coming years.
