JAMMU, JUL 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, marking the formal start of the 57-day pilgrimage amid elaborate security arrangements.
As the convoy rolled out, chants of “Bam Bam Bhole,” “Har Har Mahadev,” and “Baba Barfani Ki Jai” echoed through the base camp. The Lieutenant Governor also participated in a special puja before flagging off the pilgrims.
A total of 4,822 pilgrims departed in 259 vehicles under a multi-layered security cover. Of them, 2,510 devotees opted for the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in 112 vehicles, while 2,312 pilgrims chose the shorter 14-km Baltal route in 147 vehicles. Officials confirmed that all pilgrims reached their respective base camps by Thursday evening.
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra begins on July 3 and will conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. Pilgrims can undertake the journey through either the traditional Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district or the Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, BJP MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, legislators, senior civil and police officials, and representatives of various religious organisations.
In a message posted on X, the Lieutenant Governor described the pilgrimage as “a profound spiritual awakening” and wished devotees a safe, peaceful, and spiritually fulfilling journey.
Pilgrims from different parts of the country expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the administration, and security agencies.
Suresh Kumar from Surat, undertaking the pilgrimage for the first time, praised the facilities and support provided by the administration and the Army. Baba Goga Nath of Junagarh Akhara called the pilgrimage a blessing and appreciated the arrangements for saints and devotees.
Sukham Dass, a seer from Kashi who has been undertaking the pilgrimage for over three decades, said facilities for elderly and specially-abled pilgrims had improved significantly. Other devotees, including pilgrims from Uttarakhand and Jaipur, also lauded the security arrangements and logistical support.
Authorities have deployed an extensive security grid across the Jammu region, supported by technology-based surveillance and traffic management measures. Daily traffic advisories and regulated movement along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will remain in force throughout the Yatra period to ensure the safe passage of pilgrims.
Officials said nearly four lakh devotees have registered for this year’s pilgrimage, while on-the-spot registration is also continuing in Jammu.
The first batch of pilgrims received a warm welcome upon entering the Kashmir Valley. Police, civil administration officials, local residents, and several social and religious organisations greeted the Yatris with flower petals, garlands, and chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole” at various locations, including Qazigund, Pahalgam, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Sonamarg, and Vessu. Some pilgrims, however, suggested further improvements in traffic management along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway during the pilgrimage period.
