Srinagar, April 19, 2025: The Amarnath Yatra 2025 launched its registration drive on April 14, 2025, with an impressive 4,200 pilgrims registering on the first day through 91 J&K Bank branches nationwide, signaling a vibrant start to the iconic pilgrimage. Scheduled from July 3 to August 9, 2025, the 38-day journey to the sacred Amarnath Cave, housing the revered ice Shiva Lingam, is set to boost Jammu and Kashmir’s economy while showcasing its rich pluralistic culture.
Organized by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the yatra is a spiritual and economic cornerstone for the region. The robust Day 1 registrations reflect strong devotee enthusiasm and confidence in J&K Bank’s efficient process, which includes Aadhaar-based biometric eKYC for RFID card issuance. “The overwhelming response of 4,200 registrations on Day 1 underscores the yatra’s significance and our commitment to a seamless experience,” said Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO of J&K Bank.
The pilgrimage, capped at 15,000 yatris daily for safety, drives substantial economic activity. In 2024, 3.65 lakh pilgrims generated millions in revenue for local businesses, including pony operators, porters, hotels, and vendors. The 2025 yatra, with upgraded facilities like expanded Yatri Niwas and enhanced medical services, is poised to create thousands of seasonal jobs, particularly in the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. “The yatra is a lifeline for us,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a shopkeeper in Sonamarg, anticipating a busy season.
The Amarnath Yatra also celebrates Kashmir’s syncretic heritage, exemplified by the story of Buta Malik, a Muslim shepherd who rediscovered the cave in the 1850s. Local communities, irrespective of faith, support pilgrims with logistics and hospitality, while cultural events at base camps feature Kashmiri music, handicrafts, and cuisine like Kahwa, highlighting the Valley’s pluralistic traditions. “This pilgrimage unites us all,” said Rafiqa Begum, a volunteer at Nunwan camp.
Pilgrims aged 13 to 70 must register online at jksasb.nic.in or offline at designated banks for ₹220, submitting a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC). RFID cards, mandatory for tracking, ensure safety along the high-altitude routes. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, SASB chairman, has overseen improvements like better telecom connectivity and sanitation, aiming for a smoother yatra.
The strong start to registrations sets the stage for a transformative season, blending devotion with economic and cultural vitality. As Kashmir prepares to host lakhs of pilgrims, the Amarnath Yatra 2025 reaffirms the region’s role as a beacon of spirituality and unity.