Srinagar, July 21, 2025: The annual Amarnath Yatra has surpassed a significant milestone, with over 3.21 lakh pilgrims having visited the holy cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas since the pilgrimage began on July 3, 2025. On Monday alone, 17,016 devotees, including 12,757 men, 3,270 women, 150 children, 158 sadhus, 9 sadhvis, 3 transgender pilgrims, and 669 security personnel, performed darshan at the 3,880-metre-high shrine, home to the naturally formed ice lingam of Lord Shiva.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha celebrated the milestone, stating on X, “By the grace of Baba Amarnath Ji, the holy pilgrimage has surpassed the 3 lakh mark today. This sacred journey is a deeply enriching experience. May Baba’s blessings bring peace, strength, and fulfilment to all. Har Har Mahadev!” Sinha visited the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district on Sunday to review arrangements, ensuring seamless facilities for pilgrims.
The 38-day yatra, which commenced from the twin routes of Nunwan-Pahalgam in Anantnag and Baltal in Ganderbal, has seen robust participation despite security concerns following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. Enhanced security measures, including drone surveillance, RFID tracking, and multi-layered deployment of forces like the CRPF, BSF, and local police, have ensured a safe pilgrimage.
However, officials noted a decline in daily departures from the Jammu base camp at Bhagwati Nagar. On July 18, 7,908 pilgrims left, followed by 6,365 on July 19, 4,388 on July 20, and a low of 3,791 on July 21. This tapering, attributed to weather concerns and fatigue, has led to the closure of on-the-spot registration, with all bookings now centralised at the base camp.
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, oversees the yatra, providing essential services like accommodation, medical aid, and food. Pilgrims have praised the efficient management, with over 4 lakh registered online, though the 2023 figure of 5.12 lakh remains a target. The yatra, set to conclude on August 9, 2025, continues to draw devotees nationwide, undeterred by intermittent rains, with the Border Roads Organisation maintaining tracks for safe passage.
