Jammu (Rajeev Sharma): The annual Amarnath Yatra got underway on Thursday as the first group of registered pilgrims departed from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp for the Kashmir Valley. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the convoy after offering prayers, marking the formal beginning of one of India’s largest religious pilgrimages.
The devotees are travelling to the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal, from where the trek to the revered Amarnath cave shrine will commence on July 3. The pilgrimage is scheduled to continue for 57 days before concluding on August 28.
Prior to the flag-off ceremony, Sinha performed a traditional puja at the Bhagwati Nagar transit camp and wished the pilgrims a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey. Senior civil and security officials were present during the event as the convoy left amid tight security arrangements.
Authorities have deployed a multi-layer security framework to safeguard the pilgrimage. Security personnel have been stationed along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, transit camps, lodging facilities and trekking routes to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims throughout the yatra.
The sacred Amarnath cave, situated at an altitude of about 3,880 metres in the Himalayas, attracts lakhs of devotees every year. Pilgrims can reach the shrine through two designated routes—the traditional 48-kilometre track from Nunwan in Pahalgam, Anantnag district, or the shorter 14-kilometre route from Baltal in Ganderbal district, which is steeper and more physically demanding.
Officials said elaborate arrangements have been made to facilitate the pilgrimage, including accommodation centres, medical camps, food facilities, emergency services and traffic management systems. Teams from various government departments have also been deployed to assist devotees during the journey.
Pilgrims arriving at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp underwent mandatory verification before being allowed to join the escorted convoy heading towards Kashmir. Authorities have advised yatris to strictly follow safety guidelines, carry valid registration documents and cooperate with security personnel throughout the pilgrimage.
The administration has also intensified monitoring of weather conditions and road connectivity, considering the challenging terrain and the possibility of rainfall during the monsoon season. Emergency response teams have been placed on standby to respond quickly to any unforeseen situation.
With the first convoy now en route, officials expressed confidence that the coordinated efforts of the administration, security agencies and service providers would help ensure the smooth conduct of this year’s Amarnath Yatra. The annual pilgrimage remains one of the country’s most significant religious events, drawing devotees from across India to the holy cave dedicated to Lord Shiva.
