JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Amidst an atmosphere of faith, devotion, and enthusiasm, the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 has officially commenced. Early Thursday morning, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. The entire Bhagwati Nagar area resonated with chants of “Har-Har Mahadev” and “Bam-Bam Bhole,” creating an atmosphere steeped in devotion to Lord Shiva.
A total of 4,822 pilgrims departed in the first batch, traveling in a convoy of 259 vehicles. Of these, 2,510 pilgrims will reach the holy cave of ‘Baba Barfani’ via the traditional Pahalgam route, while 2,312 will travel via the Baltal route. The group of pilgrims includes 3,707 men, 816 women, 16 children, 246 Sadhus (male ascetics), and 37 Sadhvis (female ascetics).
The pilgrims’ convoy comprised 106 buses, 39 Medium Motor Vehicles (MMVs), 111 Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), and two two-wheelers. According to officials, the convoy for the Baltal route departed Bhagwati Nagar at 6:10 AM, followed by the Pahalgam route convoy at 6:35 AM, amidst tight security arrangements.
This year, the Shri Amarnath Yatra will take place from July 3 to August 28. Lakhs of pilgrims from across the country and abroad will arrive to seek blessings and view the Himling (ice stalagmite) at the holy cave, situated at an altitude of approximately 3,888 meters above sea level in South Kashmir.
Extending his best wishes to the pilgrims, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a confluence of faith, belief, and spiritual consciousness. I wish all the pilgrims a safe, pleasant, and auspicious journey.” He stated that the Jammu and Kashmir administration, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, central security forces, and other departments have made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the pilgrimage is safe, smooth, and seamless. Special provisions have been made for security, healthcare, drinking water, sanitation, accommodation, and transportation.
After departing from Jammu, the pilgrims will reach the Baltal and Nunwan base camps, from where they will commence their journey towards the holy cave of Baba Barfani in accordance with the scheduled itinerary. A multi-layered security arrangement has been implemented along the entire pilgrimage route, with the police, Army, and central security forces maintaining constant surveillance.
Religious saints, representatives of various religious organizations, administrative officials, senior officers from the police and security forces, and a large number of pilgrims attended the flag-hoisting and send-off ceremony held at Bhagwati Nagar. The entire venue was immersed in an atmosphere of devotion, filled with the spirited chants of the pilgrims.
