Qazigund, Jul 30 (KNO): A devotee from Uttar Pradesh undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra reached Qazigund on Thursday, marking the 415th day of his extraordinary pilgrimage while travelling face-down on a thermocol sheet instead of walking.
Sunil, a resident of Mahoba district in Uttar Pradesh, has been on the pilgrimage for the past 13 months, performing a Dandavat Yatra to the holy Amarnath cave shrine. Instead of walking, he moves forward inch by inch while lying flat on a thermocol sheet, a unique act of devotion that has drawn the attention of thousands of pilgrims and commuters along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) after reaching Qazigund, Sunil said he embarked on the pilgrimage after feeling a divine call from Baba Amarnath and dedicated his journey to the nation.
"I am undertaking a Dandavat Yatra to the holy Amarnath shrine. Today marks the 415th day of my journey. Baba Amarnath called me, and I am undertaking this pilgrimage for my country. The CAPF, police and Army have been extending full support to me, and they will continue to support me until I reach the Amarnath shrine," he said.
Sunil said that after reaching holy cave shrine, he would pray for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the country.
He also praised the hospitality of the people of Kashmir, saying he had received immense support throughout his journey in the Valley.
"The hospitality in Kashmir is the best. People here are very supportive," he said.
Sunil's unusual pilgrimage has become a major attraction on the Amarnath Yatra route. As thousands of devotees continue their trek to the holy cave shrine, many stop to watch him inching forward on the thermocol sheet. Several pilgrims have recorded videos of his journey, while others folded their hands in respect for his unwavering devotion and determination.
Given the heavy movement of pilgrims and vehicles on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, security personnel deployed for the Amarnath Yatra have also been accompanying Sunil at various stretches to ensure his safe passage—(KNO)