Amarnath Yatra: Chhari Pujan held in Srinagar, main trek from Aug 22

On Nag Panchami, Monday, August 17, the Chhari-Pujan of Lord Shiva's holy mace was performed at the Amareshwar temple in Srinagar. Mahant Deependra Giri, the mace's custodian, led sadhus in Vedic hymns, marking the final phase of the annual Amarnath Yatra.

The main pilgrimage begins on August 22, with the holy mace taken to the Amarnath cave shrine for final prayers on Shravan Purnima on August 28. Night halts are scheduled at Pahalgam on Aug 22-23, Chandanwari on Aug 24, Sheshnag on Aug 25, and Panchtarani on Aug 26-27.

More than 4.80 lakh pilgrims have completed the yatra since July 3. The pilgrimage will conclude on August 28.