LG Engages with Religious Leaders and Civil Society as Amarnath Yatra Commences

Jammu, June 28: The annual Shri Amarnath pilgrimage officially begins today, with the first group of 4,603 pilgrims arriving in Kashmir from Jammu amidst traditional celebrations. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has been in discussions with religious leaders, civil society members, and elected officials to ensure the pilgrimage is successful and peaceful.

In a charged religious atmosphere, LG Sinha flagged off the first group of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from the base camp in Jammu on Friday morning. The pilgrims reached Kashmir safely and will proceed to the cave shrine on Saturday, marking the official start of the annual pilgrimage.

Before the flag-off, LG Sinha offered special prayers at the temple. According to the Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the 52-day pilgrimage to the cave shrine, located at an altitude of about 13,000 feet in the South Kashmir Himalayas, will begin from two routes: the traditional 48 km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter but steeper 14 km Baltal route in Ganderbal on June 29. In a media address after the flag-off, LG Sinha said, “The first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims has departed from Jammu. Over the last 3-4 years, many arrangements have been made for the yatra, and this year, the J&K administration has ensured all necessary arrangements and heightened security.”

He called for local support to make the Yatra a grand success, adding that “elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.” He also shared the ceremony on social media, with a post from the Office of LG J&K reading, “Flagged off the first batch of devotees for the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji. My best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe, blessed, and spiritually enriching journey. May the blessings of Baba Amarnath Ji bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to everyone’s life.”

Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, thousands of pilgrims have arrived in Jammu. The first batch will travel in a high-security convoy to the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps, where they will start their pilgrimage. Pilgrims were seen chanting “Bham Bham Bholey” and dancing in excitement to be part of the first batch. Among the 4,603 pilgrims, 3,631 were male, 711 female, 252 Sadhus, and nine children, traveling in a convoy of 231 vehicles. BJP leader Devender Singh Rana, who accompanied LG Sinha at the ceremony, said, “We hope that with the grace of Bhole Shankar, this year’s yatra will bring happiness and be a good experience for everyone, just like every year. People will feel the love, affection, and care of Jammu and Kashmir residents.”

CCTVs have been installed on National Highways to enhance security and address traffic issues. The 52-day pilgrimage to the cave shrine will continue until August 19. Last year, over 4.5 lakh pilgrims paid their respects at the naturally formed ice shivlingam inside the cave shrine. So far, 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered for this year’s Yatra, with a large number expected due to an increased quota of spot registrations.

Meanwhile, LG Sinha held discussions with religious leaders, civil society members, and elected representatives at SKICC, seeking their support for a peaceful and successful Amarnath Yatra. Speaking to reporters, LG Sinha said, “In recent years, it has become a mandatory practice to engage with religious leaders, civil society, and elected representatives whenever there is a significant religious event. As the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims was flagged off today from Jammu, I met with people from various walks of life to seek their support in making the Amarnath Yatra a peaceful affair, sending a message of peace and love across the country.”