Srinagar, July 3, 2025 – The annual Amarnath Yatra, a revered Hindu pilgrimage to the 3,880-meter-high cave shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas, officially began today as thousands of pilgrims embarked from the twin base camps of Baltal and Nunwan. The 38-day spiritual journey, which concludes on August 9, 2025, has drawn devotees from across India despite recent security concerns following a terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year. With stringent security measures, traditional hospitality, and comprehensive facilities, the administration aims to ensure a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage.
Pilgrims Set Out from Baltal and NunwanThe first batch of 5,892 pilgrims, including men, women, children, and sadhus, was flagged off from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2, 2025, by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). The convoy, comprising 310 vehicles, reached the Kashmir Valley by Wednesday afternoon, receiving a warm welcome from local authorities and residents in Kulgam, Anantnag, and Srinagar districts. Of these pilgrims, 2,489 proceeded via the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district, while 3,403 took the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district.
The pilgrims began their trek at first light on Thursday, chanting “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” as they moved toward the sacred cave, which houses a naturally formed ice-lingam, a symbol of Lord Shiva. The atmosphere was marked by devotion and enthusiasm, with local shopkeepers and service providers expressing confidence in seamless arrangements.
Enhanced Security MeasuresThis year’s Yatra follows a terror attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, leading to a 10.19% drop in registrations compared to 2024. Despite this, over 331,000 devotees have registered, bolstered by robust security arrangements. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has implemented a multi-layered security grid, including facial recognition, RFID tracking, and CCTV surveillance, with 581 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies deployed, 219 from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). A special CRPF women’s team, wearing “May I Help You” vests, is stationed along the Baltal route to assist female pilgrims. The routes have been declared “No Flying Zones” from July 1 to August 10, and helicopter services have been suspended due to security concerns.
Pilgrims have been advised to travel only in designated convoys from Bhagwati Nagar, Baltal, and Nunwan base camps to ensure safety. The administration has also warned journalists against disguising themselves as pilgrims, emphasising strict adherence to protocols.
Comprehensive Facilities and Local SupportThe District Administrations of Ganderbal and Anantnag, along with the Directorate of Rural Sanitation, have made extensive arrangements for pilgrim safety and convenience. These include medical facilities, sanitation services, and round-the-clock security. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has established a permanent Yatri Niwas and Disaster Management Complex at Baltal, set to be inaugurated on July 4, 2025, by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Lieutenant Governor Sinha. Similar facilities are under development at Nunwan, Bijbehara, and Sidhra as part of ONGC’s corporate social responsibility initiative.
Local shopkeepers and residents have played a significant role in welcoming pilgrims, with garlands and traditional Kashmiri hospitality at Baltal, Nunwan, and other points like Nowgam and Pantha Chowk. The J&K Waqf Board, led by Chairperson Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, inaugurated a Bhandara at Baltal to serve pilgrims throughout the Yatra, emphasizing the pilgrimage’s role as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity.
Challenges and ResilienceThe recent terror attack and the absence of helicopter services have led to a notable decline in pilgrim numbers from regions like Ludhiana, with a nearly 50% drop in medical certificate applications reported by local health officials. However, devotees like Ram Prasad from Azamgarh expressed unwavering faith, stating, “Terrorist threats will never shake our spiritual resolve.” Lieutenant Governor Sinha echoed this sentiment, describing the Yatra as a “journey of faith and self-discovery” and expressing hope for a historic pilgrimage.
Key Information Table
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Start Date | July 3, 2025 |
End Date | August 9, 2025 |
Base Camps | Baltal (Ganderbal), Nunwan (Pahalgam, Anantnag) |
Routes | Baltal (14 km, 1-2 days), Nunwan-Pahalgam (48 km, 3-5 days) |
First Batch | 5,892 pilgrims (2,489 via Baltal, 3,403 via Pahalgam) |
Total Registrations | Over 331,000 |
Security Measures | Facial recognition, RFID tracking, CCTV, 581 CAPF companies, No Flying Zone |
Key Facilities | Medical care, sanitation, ONGC Yatri Niwas, CRPF women’s team |
Notable Figures | Lt. Gov. Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi |
Conclusion
The Amarnath Yatra 2025 has begun with a blend of spiritual zeal and heightened vigilance. Despite challenges posed by recent security concerns, the administration’s meticulous preparations and the warm hospitality of locals reflect a commitment to ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for pilgrims. As devotees trek toward the sacred cave, the Yatra continues to symbolize faith, resilience, and communal harmony in the Kashmir Valley.