BALTAL : The yearly pilgrimage to the sacred cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas known as Amarnath Yatra has served as a shining example of Hindu-Muslim goodwill as the locals have not only welcomed but also helped the hundreds of thousands of Shiva devotees on their difficult spiritual trip.Regardless of the political climate or security situation in the rest of Jammu and Kashmir, the local Muslims’ support has been crucial for the peaceful operation of the pilgrimage year after year. For those who are unable to make the arduous climb to the 3,888-meter-high cave shrine holding a naturally formed ice-lingam, the structure of Lord Shiva, the Muslims set up tents for the yatris to rest in and offer palanquins and pony services. Additionally, they are the first to arrive at any emergency scene.The services are more important for preserving the long-standing sense of community harmony than they are for financial reasons. “Our Muslim brothers make the necessary arrangements and provide for our other needs.”. Local Muslims provide all the assistance, from cleanliness to “prasad,” ponies, and palkis. The world should take note of this brotherhood. Even though I travel all over India, I have never seen a better display of fraternity than today, said Sadhu Nagaraj, who is in town for the yatra. A local who looks after the pilgrims’ possessions claimed that due of the long-standing fraternity, they offer their services without charge.”We visit this place for the yatris. Their bags, cameras, and cell phones are kept here and looked after without charge. We are a brotherhood in this. We are preserving Kashmiriyat, he declared. A pilgrim expressed happiness at the Muslims’ assistance and claimed the locals had done everything possible to ensure the yatra’s success. “The locals have been a tremendous help. They have looked everywhere. They give us two things for the price of one, the yatri stated.The yatra offers the residents a chance to supplement their income. “When the yatra begins, we come here. We support ourselves for the month by returning from the holy cave with the yatris’ bags. We carry their hefty luggage since the yatris can’t, the man who carries the pilgrims’ packs on his shoulders for the roughly 25-kilometer uphill route stated. “We ride palkis to transport the pilgrims, especially the elderly. They are supported by our shoulders. Additionally, it gives us a chance to support our families, according to a another local service provider that transports yatris in palanquins.The yatra represents Hindu-Muslim unity to many residents. “We Muslims offer assistance to the Hindu people. One of them stated that it symbolises their union. Another urged Hindus all over the nation to participate in the yatra, claiming that Kashmir is safe and trouble-free. He continued, “We are prepared to greet you and provide for your every need.
