The sacred Amarnath Yatra 2025 officially began on July 3, as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of 5,880 pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath Cave shrine in south Kashmir is being held amid multi-layered security and improved facilities.
Pilgrims Depart Amid Spiritual Chants and Heavy Rain
Despite the rain, over 4,000 devotees joined the early morning convoy, chanting “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev,” turning Jammu into a city of divine energy. This year’s yatra has witnessed a strong response, with over 3.31 lakh pilgrims registered so far.
Two Routes, One Destination
Pilgrims can reach the Amarnath shrine via two routes:
- The traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag
- The shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal
- These routes have been widened from 6 feet to 12 feet, allowing safer and smoother travel.
With RFID tracking, 24×7 monitoring from the Integrated Command and Control Centre, and watchful coordination by the Police Control Room, security remains a top priority. This comes in light of heightened vigilance after recent security concerns.
New Facilities for a Safer Yatra
Infrastructure upgrades include:
- Two 100-bed hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari by ONGC
- New Yatri Niwas and Board offices in Srinagar, with more to be opened in Baltal
- Enhanced accommodation and medical services for a comfortable journey
Undeterred by past threats, including the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, pilgrims continue to arrive in large numbers. Many believe this strong turnout sends a powerful message of resilience and devotion to Lord Shiva. Before flagging off the convoy, the L-G offered prayers to Baba Amarnath for peace and well-being of all. He praised the high enthusiasm among pilgrims and the festival-like atmosphere in Jammu. “The presence of devotees in such large numbers reflects their unshakable faith,” he said.
The Amarnath Yatra is not just a pilgrimage but a symbol of India’s spiritual heritage and unity. With improved routes, better facilities, and robust security, the 2025 yatra is set to offer a safe, sacred, and transformative experience for devotees from across the country.
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