Chhari Mubarak leaves from Srinagar for Pahalgam

Srinagar, Aug. 22 -- The sacred Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, on Saturday embarked from the Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar for Pahalgam, setting in motion the main rituals of this year's Amarnath pilgrimage.

Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, led a group of sadhus after performing prayers and rituals at the Dashnami Akhara.

Speaking to reporters, Giri said the Chhari Mubarak would reach the Holy Cave on August 28, the occasion of Shravan Purnima, for the traditional Pujan and Darshan.

He said the procession would halt at Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarani before reaching the shrine. "We follow the dates prescribed in our scriptures and not the Gregorian calendar," Giri said, explaining that t...