Jammu, July 2: Amid chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev,” the first batch of pilgrims for the Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas Base Camp in Jammu on Thursday morning. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first convoy, formally marking the commencement of this year’s annual pilgrimage.
The first convoy is heading towards the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, from where pilgrims will begin their trek to the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine on July 3. This year’s pilgrimage will continue until August 28, spanning 57 days, and will conclude on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Pilgrims Arrive with Devotion and Enthusiasm
Pilgrims from across the country gathered at the Jammu base camp with great enthusiasm before embarking on the sacred journey. A group of devotees from Jaipur, Rajasthan, said they had travelled to seek the blessings of Baba Barfani, describing the pilgrimage as a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.
They said that while many people travel for holidays and recreation, they had chosen to undertake the Amarnath Yatra to strengthen their faith and receive Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Multi-Layer Security for First Convoy
The first batch of pilgrims was escorted under an extensive security arrangement. CRPF escort vehicles accompanied the convoy from the front and rear, while every government and private vehicle underwent thorough security screening before being allowed to join the convoy.
Authorities also issued special security clearance tags to all vehicles after completion of mandatory checks to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims.
High-Tech Security Measures
The Amarnath Yatra is being conducted under a multi-layered security grid involving the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security agencies.
Advanced surveillance systems, including drones, CCTV cameras, anti-drone systems, facial recognition technology, integrated command centres, and other modern monitoring equipment, have been deployed across the Yatra route to ensure round-the-clock security.
Security personnel have also intensified area domination patrols, vehicle checks, and surveillance at vulnerable locations along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
Extensive Facilities for Pilgrims
The administration has made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. Accommodation, community kitchens (langars), medical facilities, ambulances, drinking water, sanitation services, and help desks have been established from Jammu to the holy cave shrine.
Pilgrims have been advised to travel only after completing registration, carrying their RFID cards, and following all guidelines issued by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and the administration.
One of India’s Largest Annual Pilgrimages
Every year, lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad undertake the challenging pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath Cave Shrine in the Himalayas to offer prayers before the naturally formed ice Shivling.
With registrations witnessing strong demand this year, authorities expect a large turnout of devotees during the 57-day pilgrimage while maintaining strict security and safety measures throughout the Yatra.