Srinagar, Jul 08: A visible surge in pilgrim movement across both the Pahalgam and Baltal axes is setting the tone for what is emerging as one of the most encouraging editions of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra in recent years.  With thousands of devotees arriving at the holy cave shrine each day, the annual pilgrimage has gained remarkable momentum in its very first week, reflecting the enduring spiritual appeal of the Himalayan yatra and the confidence of pilgrims in the arrangements put in place this year. Official data available till 7:00 PM on July 8 shows that 1,42,861 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine during the first six days of the 57-day pilgrimage, which commenced on July 3. This is 30,886 more pilgrims than the 1,11,975 recorded during the corresponding period last year, registering a 28 per cent increase in footfall.