Srinagar, July 7, 2025: The Amarnath Yatra 2025, one of India’s holiest pilgrimages, has witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with over 70,000 devotees paying obeisance at the sacred Amarnath cave shrine in the first four days since its commencement on July 3. Despite challenges like the Pahalgam terror attack in April and adverse weather conditions, pilgrims continue to flock to the 3,880-meter-high shrine to seek blessings of Lord Shiva at the naturally formed ice Shivling, also known as Baba Barfani.
A Resilient Pilgrimage Amid Challenges
The 38-day-long yatra, which began on July 3, is being conducted via the twin routes of Pahalgam (48 km, Anantnag district) and Baltal (14 km, Ganderbal district). Despite the Pahalgam attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, devotees remain undeterred, chanting “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” as they embark on the spiritual journey. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), along with the Jammu and Kashmir administration and security forces, has ensured robust arrangements to facilitate a safe and seamless pilgrimage.
Record Footfall and Robust Arrangements
On July 6, the third day of the yatra, 21,109 pilgrims visited the cave, including 16,159 men, 3,921 women, 226 children, 250 sadhus, 29 sadhvis, 521 security personnel, and 3 transgender devotees. By July 7, the total number of pilgrims surpassed 70,000, with 8,605 pilgrims departing from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Monday alone. Over 3.5 lakh devotees have registered online, with many opting for on-spot registration at Nunwan (Pahalgam) and Baltal base camps.
The Jammu and Kashmir government, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has prioritized pilgrim safety and comfort. Sinha inaugurated the Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal, capable of accommodating 800 pilgrims, and noted that widened tracks, safety railings, and grid-powered lighting have enhanced safety. RFID tags are being issued to pilgrims for tracking and safety, and 34 accommodation centres have been established along the routes.
Security and Local SupportAmid heightened security concerns following the Pahalgam attack and an encounter in Udhampur on June 26, a multi-tier security cover has been deployed, including 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), 30 more than previous years. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is under strict surveillance, with CCTV monitoring and daily traffic advisories ensuring smooth convoy movement. Local communities have extended full cooperation, welcoming pilgrims with open hearts, further strengthening the yatra’s spirit of unity.
Boosting Tourism and Regional Sentiment
The strong turnout has sparked hope for a tourism revival in Jammu and Kashmir, which suffered a setback after the April terror attack. Traders and tourism stakeholders, including Rakesh Wazir of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, view the yatra as a positive signal for restoring confidence in the region’s safety. Pilgrims like Ravi Ranjan from Bihar have expressed trust in the security arrangements, stating, “There is no fear because an adequate number of security personnel have been deployed”.
Lieutenant Governor’s Assurance
LG Manoj Sinha, who flagged off the yatra from Jammu on July 2, emphasised the administration’s commitment to a safe pilgrimage. “The measures taken by the Jammu and Kashmir administration and security forces have helped restore confidence among pilgrims,” he said, noting that registrations, which dropped by 10.19% post-attack, are now picking up. Sinha also highlighted the yatra’s role in fostering communal harmony and its significance as a symbol of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Amarnath Yatra 2025 Key Statistics (First Four Days)
| Date | Pilgrims Visiting Shrine | Batch Departing from Jammu | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 3, 2025 | ~20,000 | Not specified | Yatra flagged off by LG Manoj Sinha; strong initial turnout despite terror fears |
| July 4, 2025 | ~6,000+ | 6,411 | Over 26,000 total visitors in two days; Yatri Niwas Complex inaugurated |
| July 5, 2025 | 21,109 | 6,900 | Highest single-day footfall; included diverse groups; bus accident in Ramban |
| July 6, 2025 | 21,512 | 7,208 | Total crosses 70,000; largest batch departs amid heavy rains |
| Total | >70,000 | 24,528+ | Over 3.5 lakh registered; RFID tags, 180 CAPF companies deployed |
Conclusion
The Amarnath Yatra 2025 continues to embody the spirit of devotion, resilience, and unity, with over 70,000 pilgrims completing the pilgrimage in just four days. Despite security threats and logistical challenges, the collaborative efforts of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, security forces, and local communities ensure a safe and spiritually enriching experience. The yatra, set to conclude on August 9, 2025, on Raksha Bandhan, remains a testament to India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, inspiring hope for peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
