Pahalgam (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 12 (ANI): The 10th batch of devotees departed from the Pahalgam's Nunwan base camp for their pilgrimage to the Holy cave of Amarnath on Saturday.

Ishika Dhawan, a pilgrim from Lucknow, praised the arrangements made by the government, saying that this was her first time to Amarnath.

'I am from Lucknow...this is my first time to Amarnath. The government has made really good arrangements here... I am very excited... I will pray for peace and happiness in the country...' Dhawan told ANI.

Yogesh Patel, a pilgrim from Ahmedabad, stated that it was his third time and he was very excited for the darshan.

'This is not my first time here... this is my third time here... I am very excited and I am looking forward to the darshan,' Patel told.

Earlier, 'Chhari Mubarak', auspicious mace of Lord Shiva, was taken to Pahalgam from Srinagar for Bhoomi Pujan, Navgrah Pujan and flag hoisting.

According to Mahant Deependra Giri, the Dashami Akhara took out the 'Chhari Mubarak' from Srinagar and halted at the Chhari Vishram Sthal in Pahalgam.

Bhoomi Pujan, Navgrah Pujan and flag hoisting, following which a havan and meal for the devotees will be organised. The event will conclude after the devotees return to the 'Chhari Vishram Sthal' in Srinagar.

'Today is Ashad Purnima, also known as Guru Purnima. In the morning, the Dashnami Akhara took out the Chhari Mubarak from Srinagar and halted at the Chhari Vishram Sthal in Pahalgam. Here we performed the Bhoomi Pujan, Navgrah Pujan and flag hoisting. Now we will perform a havan followed by a meal for all the devotees. We will return to the Chhari Vishram Sthal in Srinagar and conclude today's event', Mahant Deependra Giri told ANI.

The 38-day annual Amarnath pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine in south Kashmir began on July 3 and will conclude on August 9. (ANI)