Over 150 people from Hazaribagh have registered themselves for this year's Amarnath yatra so far with a Haryana-based voluntary organisation that offers pilgrimage services across India.

Eastern region head of Amarnath Sewa Shakti Mandal Manoj Goyal said on Friday the pilgrimage would be conducted from July 2 to August 29.

"Registrations have already started at Punjab National Bank, Indrapuri branch since March 1. On an average, more than 700 pilgrims from Hazaribagh visit the sacred shrine in Amarnath annually. The number keeps increasing every year," he said.

According to Goyal, anyone between 13 and 75 can collect application and medical forms from the photocopy shop at Allahabad Bank main branch complex on GGS Road and from Pratilipi at Panch Mandir Chowk.

"After filling up both the forms people should submit the papers at the PNB branch along with five passport-size photographs and Rs 50 as fee," he said.

Mandal member Rakesh Gupta said after registration, Punjab National Bank would provide slips for the yatra and a mobile phone card. After reaching Kashmir, the pilgrims would have to produce the card against which they would be given a SIM card.

He said earlier there was a facility of online registration but it was stopped after it was misused. "But, we want it to start again as it will be much easier. In that case, the pilgrims will only have to visit the nearest hospital for medical tests," he said.

The Hazaribagh wing of the mandal has also advised pilgrims to carry cold cream, raincoats and edible items like dry fruits.

Gupta said the mandal would try its best to make the yatra safe for everyone.

"We all know about the unexpected weather conditions in Kashmir. Cold cream will protect the skin and raincoats will help in continuing with the yatra without any difficulty," said Vivek Sharma, another member of the mandal.