Jammu/Srinagar, July 1 : The annual Amarnath Yatra resumed after three days on Sunday after pilgrims from the two base camps in the Kashmir Valley were permitted to move towards the cave shrine.

The pilgrimage was suspended due to incessant rains across Jammu and Kashmir.

A total of 6,877 pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu city in escorted convoys towards the the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps.

"The first group of 2,790 pilgrims bound for the Baltal base camp left at 3.10 a.m. in an escorted convoy of 99 vehicles," police said.

"A second group of 4,087 yatris at 3.50 a.m. left for Pahalgam in another escorted convoy of 130 vehicles."

Situated 12,756 feet above sea-level, the Himalayan cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that waxes and wanes with the phases of moon.

Devotees believe the ice stalagmite structure symbolises mythical powers of Lord Shiva.



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New Delhi (PTI): Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday wished Team India ahead of the decisive rounds at the Chess Olympiads, saying now is the time to seize the gold and show the world what India is made of.

Grandmaster and World Championship challenger D Gukesh put it across Fabiano Caruana of United States to raise hopes of a maiden gold medal for the Indian men in the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

Indian women's team is also a favourite for the gold medal.

"Wishing Team India all the success as you step into the decisive rounds of the Chess Olympiad, both in the Open and Women's sections!" Gandhi said on X.

"You're on the verge of making history today. Your relentless dedication and exceptional skills have led you to this moment. Now is the time to seize the gold and show the world what India is made of," the former Congress chief said.

Gandhi, himself an avid chess player, was seen in a video put out by the Congress some months back, talking about his interest in the board game and its similarities with politics.

In the video, when Gandhi is asked who is the best chess player among Indian politicians, he said, "Me".