| Undeterred by threats, devotees flock to Amarnath, one lakh complete journey in 6-days | |    | Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, July 8: This year’s annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has achieved a historic milestone, with over one lakh pilgrims completing the sacred journey to the holy cave shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas within the first six days of its commencement. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced the remarkable achievement, highlighting the smooth progress of the pilgrimage along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
In a post on X, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor stated, “The journey of faith, holy Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has surpassed 1 lakh pilgrims within the first six days of pilgrimage. The spiritual festivity and Yatra is continuing smoothly on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes and is expected to draw more devotees in the days to come.”
The 38-day pilgrimage, which officially began on July 3, 2025, was flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2. The Yatra, a significant spiritual event for devotees of Lord Shiva, will continue until August 9, coinciding with the festivals of Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. This year’s pilgrimage has attracted over 3.31 lakh registered devotees, with additional on-the-spot registrations at Jammu, reflecting an overwhelming response from across the country.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra offers two distinct routes to the sacred cave, located at an altitude of 3,880 meters, where a naturally formed ice Shivling is revered as a symbol of Lord Shiva. The traditional 48-kilometer Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district provides a scenic, gradual trek over 3–5 days, ideal for those seeking a slower journey.
In contrast, the 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal district is shorter but steeper, catering to physically fit pilgrims aiming to complete the trek in 1–2 days. Both routes have been equipped with enhanced facilities, including medical posts every 2 kilometers, RFID-based tracking, and robust security measures to ensure pilgrim safety.
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), chaired by Lieutenant Governor Sinha, has overseen extensive preparations to ensure a seamless experience.
These include improved accommodation, langar services, and a multi-layered security grid involving the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other agencies. A facial recognition system along the Pahalgam route and drone surveillance further bolster security, particularly in light of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Despite such challenges, devotees have shown unwavering faith, with many expressing confidence in the security arrangements.
“Undeterred by recent terrorist activities, devotees of Lord Shiva are arriving in huge numbers, demonstrating their immense faith,” Sinha remarked during the flag-off ceremony.
Pilgrims echoed this sentiment, with devotees like Rajiv Shekhar, praising the administration for its meticulous arrangements.
The Yatra has also fostered a spirit of unity, with local communities in Kashmir warmly welcoming pilgrims. Over 125 community kitchens, supported by more than 6,000 volunteers, have been set up along the routes to provide food and refreshments. The inauguration of a new Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal, developed by ONGC under its CSR initiative, has further enhanced accommodation capacity for up to 800 pilgrims.
As the Amarnath Yatra continues, officials anticipate a further surge in pilgrim numbers, with favorable weather and efficient coordination contributing to its success. The pilgrimage remains a profound testament to faith, resilience, and the enduring spiritual legacy of Lord Shiva. | | |
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