Srinagar, Aug 31(KNS): This year's Amarnath Yatra concluded with a record number of 4.5 lakh devotees visiting the holy cave shrine. The Chhari Mubarak, symbolizing Lord Shiva's holy mace, reached Panchtarni and is set to proceed for the final puja, marking the end of the 62-day-long pilgrimage.

An official said that while there was a strong initial influx of pilgrims at the start of the yatra, the numbers gradually dwindled, leading to the suspension of the pilgrimage a week ahead of schedule.

In comparison to previous years where footfall declined, this year's yatra saw a notable increase in participation, with around 4.5 lakh pilgrims making the journey to the holy cave.

The pilgrimage, which spanned 62 days from July 1 to August 31, commenced with the Chhari Mubarak yatra led by Mahant Deependra Giri and a group of sages. The yatra covers 145 kilometers, with significant stops along the way for rituals and rest

The puja of the mace took place early on Wednesday before it departed for Panchtarni. On August 31, during the occasion of Shravan-Punima, the Chhari Mubarak will be taken to the Amarnath shrine before sunrise, with the ceremonial worship beginning at daybreak.(KNS).