The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra officially commenced today with the first batch of pilgrims being flagged off from the Jammu base camp by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Amid heightened security and a festive atmosphere, the yatra marks a significant spiritual journey for thousands of devotees heading toward the sacred Amarnath cave shrine in the Kashmir Valley.
The yatra is formally scheduled to begin from the valley on July 3. However, the symbolic flag-off took place early Wednesday morning, July 2, at 4:30 AM from the Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar, the designated base camp in Jammu. The first batch had already been ceremonially flagged off on Tuesday, July 1, from Lakhanpur — the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir.
On the eve of the flag-off, LG Manoj Sinha, accompanied by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and other senior officials, conducted a final review of security and logistical arrangements at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp. Earlier in the day, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, and Inspector General of Police Bhim Sen Tuti inspected the facilities and took stock of the situation at the Yatri Niwas.
Meanwhile, physical registration of pilgrims began at all three designated centres in Jammu, which witnessed heavy footfall. Devotees queued up in large numbers to collect tokens and complete their registrations. Brimming with spiritual energy, the pilgrims expressed excitement and a sense of calm despite the magnitude of the journey ahead.
“There is a surreal atmosphere here. Since we arrived in Jammu, especially at the base camp, everything has felt so welcoming. The arrangements are impressive, and security is very well managed,” said Mahendra and Sanjeev, members of a 50-person group from Delhi. They are part of the first batch set to proceed to the valley tomorrow morning.
The Shri Amarnath Yatra, one of the most revered pilgrimages in India, attracts lakhs of devotees each year. This year too, the administration has ensured a robust security setup and improved facilities to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage for all participants.