Key Points
- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flags off the first batch of Amarnath Yatra 2025 pilgrims from Jammu.
- The 38-day pilgrimage starts July 3 and will conclude on August 9, with over 3.31 lakh devotees registered so far.
- Pilgrims can choose between the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route and the shorter, steeper 14-km Baltal route.
- On-the-spot registration is available, with 4,000 tokens distributed in the last two days.
- Unprecedented security arrangements include multi-layered security, CRPF deployment, and advanced surveillance technology.
- Traffic restrictions are in place on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to ensure smooth and safe movement.
Jammu: The spiritual fervor of the annual Amarnath Yatra has returned, as Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Wednesday. The 38-day pilgrimage to the revered Amarnath cave shrine, perched at an altitude of 3,880 meters in the Himalayas, officially begins on July 3 and will conclude on August 9.
Two Scenic but Challenging Routes for Pilgrims
This year, devotees can undertake the yatra via two well-established routes:
- Nunwan-Pahalgam Route (Anantnag District):
The traditional 48-kilometer route, renowned for its scenic beauty and gradual ascent, is ideal for those seeking a classic pilgrimage experience. - Baltal Route (Ganderbal District):
The shorter 14-kilometer path offers a steeper, more challenging climb but allows for a quicker journey to the cave shrine.
Both routes converge at the sacred Amarnath cave, where devotees worship the naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam.
Record Registrations and On-the-Spot Facilities
Officials report a surge in enthusiasm, with over 3,31,000 devotees already registered for the yatra. To accommodate the growing influx, on-the-spot registration has been made available at the base camp, with 4,000 tokens distributed in just the last two days.
Robust Security and Seamless Logistics
Given the significance and scale of the event, security has been heightened to unprecedented levels:
- Multi-layered Security:
The Jammu and Kashmir Police, supported by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have taken charge of the Bhagwati Nagar base camp and surrounding areas. - Advanced Surveillance:
Technology-driven monitoring and surveillance systems are deployed to ensure the safety of pilgrims. - Traffic Management:
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will see strict traffic restrictions from July 2 to August 9. Daily updates will be provided to minimize inconvenience and ensure smooth passage for yatra convoys.
High-Level Oversight
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), personally reviewed the security and logistical arrangements in a high-level meeting. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo also visited the base camp, assuring that all preparations are in place for a peaceful and well-organized pilgrimage.
Pilgrims Arrive from Across India
More than 3,500 pilgrims have already reached the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, the primary staging area for devotees from all over the country. Here, they receive guidance, accommodation, and security before embarking on their journey to the holy cave.
The Amarnath Yatra is not only a test of faith and endurance but also a symbol of communal harmony and meticulous organization. With tight security and modern facilities, authorities are committed to ensuring that every devotee experiences a safe, peaceful, and spiritually uplifting journey in the majestic Himalayas.
