Jammu, July 28 — Undeterred by challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, a fresh batch of 1,635 dedicated pilgrims embarked on the holy Amarnath Yatra from the Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu early this morning.
This is the 26th batch of yatris to undertake the spiritual journey to the Himalayan cave shrine of Baba Barfani. The group comprises 1,230 male pilgrims, 345 women, and a few sadhus and elderly devotees. Escorted by CRPF and J&K Police personnel, the convoy of buses and other vehicles set out amid chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” echoing in the air.
“This is my first time. I’ve been dreaming of seeking Baba Barfani’s blessings for years. Today feels like a homecoming of the soul,” said Ramesh Tiwari, a 56-year-old pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh.
The pilgrims will travel via the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, depending on their allocation, with arrangements in place for langar, medical aid, sanitation, and shelter along the route.
The Amarnath Yatra 2025, known for its spiritual intensity and natural challenges, has been seeing a consistent turnout, reflecting the devotion and faith of people from all across India. With over 1.5 lakh pilgrims having already visited the cave shrine this season, this batch adds to the growing spiritual fervour.
“Every batch is not just a number—it’s a journey of faith, unity, and resilience,” said an official from the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB).
The Jammu and Kashmir administration, in coordination with security forces and volunteers, continues to ensure the smooth, safe, and sacred passage of every pilgrim along the yatra route.
