Smallest Batch of 2,837 Amarnath Pilgrims Departs from Jammu Amid Tight Security

Smallest Batch of 2,837 Amarnath Pilgrims Departs from Jammu Amid Tight Security

Jammu, July 23: Amid heightened security arrangements, a batch of 2,837 pilgrims set off from Jammu on Wednesday for the sacred Amarnath cave shrine in the South Kashmir Himalayas. Officials noted that this is the smallest group of yatris to depart since the annual Amarnath Yatra 2025 began on July 3.

Over 3 Lakh Devotees Have Visited the Holy Shrine So Far

The 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave, known for its naturally formed ice lingam, has already welcomed over 3 lakh devotees this season. The 38-day pilgrimage, which started on July 3, will conclude on August 9, 2025.

21st Batch Departs from Jammu Base Camp

The latest batch, comprising 2,286 men, 543 women, and 8 children, left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in 128 vehicles for the twin base camps at Baltal and Pahalgam in Kashmir. So far, 1,30,378 pilgrims have traveled from the Jammu base camp since Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch on July 2.

Officials reported a steady drop in the number of pilgrims departing from Jammu in recent days. On July 18, 7,908 pilgrims left in the 16th batch, followed by 6,365 on July 19, 4,388 on July 20, 3,791 on July 21, and 3,536 on July 22. The current batch of 2,837 marks the lowest turnout so far.

Last Year Saw Over 5 Lakh Pilgrims

In 2024, more than 5.10 lakh devotees paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India. Authorities expect a surge in devotees during the final stretch of the yatra as the closing date approaches.

Security agencies continue to maintain strict arrangements along the route to ensure the safety of pilgrims, with special camps and medical facilities available for travelers.