The walk began at the Tholi Pavancha in the early hours, and by mid-morning pilgrims had reached Hanumanthawaka Junction, 11 km into the route; officials expect the numbers to rise sharply after the ceremonial chariot leaves the temple
Shri Satya Sai Baba devotees boil sesame oil with black pepper, garlic, vetiver roots, camphor and ajwain, a service they have offered for ten years to those walking the 32-km route
Over 6,000 pilgrims leave Jammu; no convoy was dispatched for the Pahalgam route, officials said
The first batch of more than 4,800 pilgrims has set off on the holy yatra in a convoy of 259 light and heavy vehicles, officials say; security on the yatra routes has been stepped up