Yatra Commences from Twin Base Camps
The annual Amarnath Yatra began on Friday as the first batch of pilgrims set off from the twin base camps in Baltal and Nunwan for the holy cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas. Officials confirmed that the journey started amid an atmosphere of devotion and enthusiasm.
At the Baltal Base Camp in Ganderbal district, Managing Director of J&K Power Development Corporation Rahul Yadav, serving as nodal officer for the Baltal Axis, led the flag-off ceremony along with other officers. The camp resonated with chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” as devotees including men, women, elderly and sadhus began their onward journey.
Flag-off at Nunwan Base Camp
In the early hours of Friday, Anantnag Deputy Commissioner (Yatra Officer) Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat and Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpure jointly flagged off the Yatra along the Pahalgam Axis from the Nunwan Base Camp in Pahalgam. Following departure, pilgrims were transported to Chandanwari via a special shuttle service provided by the Motor Vehicles Department.
The commencement marks one of India’s most revered spiritual pilgrimages, reflecting coordinated efforts by the administration and all stakeholder departments to facilitate a secure, seamless and memorable experience for every devotee.
Arrangements and Security
Officials stated that adequate arrangements have been put in place at camps, stations and places of importance en route to the holy cave to ensure a blissful and enriching spiritual experience. “All essential facilities will be provided to the pilgrims during the pilgrimage period so that it is conducted in a smooth and successful manner. Besides, service augmentation and other necessary safety and security measures along the track were planned and executed in advance,” said a spokesman. The yatris expressed satisfaction with overall arrangements and were highly motivated as they began their spiritual journey.
On Thursday, over 4,800 pilgrims in a convoy of 259 vehicles heading for the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal were flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu.
Prime Minister Modi’s Message and Five Resolutions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to devotees at the start of the Yatra, describing the pilgrimage as a “rare spiritual opportunity” and urging pilgrims to undertake it with devotion, discipline and a sense of responsibility. In the letter posted on X, he said the Amarnath Yatra is an eternal chapter in India’s spiritual tradition and cultural unity, and not merely a physical journey but a sacred spiritual experience. He noted that receiving the opportunity to visit the holy cave shrine of Baba Barfani is a matter of great fortune and divine grace.
Referring to recent difficult circumstances in Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said the successful commencement of the Yatra reflects the courage, resilience and unwavering faith of devotees. He charted out five “sankalp” (resolutions) for the Yatra: maintain cleanliness throughout the pilgrimage route and avoid littering; protect nature and the environment, including conserving water and keeping rivers and mountains clean; promote a plastic-free journey by avoiding single-use plastics; support local communities by purchasing local products and encouraging local livelihoods; and follow all rules and instructions related to safety, traffic, weather advisories and administration to ensure the pilgrimage remains safe and smooth for everyone.
These resolutions echo the sustainability and responsible-tourism message the Prime Minister has given for other major pilgrimages. He also acknowledged the extensive efforts of the administration, security forces, healthcare workers, volunteers and local residents in ensuring the smooth conduct of the Yatra.
