Srinagar, July 2, 2025 – The first batch of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims was warmly welcomed at Navyug Tunnel, Qazigund, as they entered the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday, marking the start of the sacred 38-day pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave Shrine. Civil society members, the trade fraternity, and local residents from Kulgam and Anantnag districts gathered in large numbers to greet the devotees with garlands, water, and enthusiastic chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” “Bam Bam Bhole,” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” reflecting Kashmir’s renowned hospitality.The welcome event, attended by key officials including Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, GC Sundeep Chakravarthy, and District Development Council (DDC) Chairman Srinagar, Aftab Malik, underscored the region’s commitment to ensuring a safe and spiritually enriching experience for the Yatris. The first batch, comprising 5,892 pilgrims in 310 vehicles, was flagged off from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp in Jammu by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also chairs the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB).Community-Driven Welcome at Navyug TunnelAs the pilgrims’ convoy reached Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund, locals from Kulgam and Anantnag, alongside civil society members and traders, created a festive atmosphere. Social activist M Iqbal, speaking at the event, emphasized, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir are here to welcome the Yatris. Kashmir is known for its hospitality, and we will protect every pilgrim until the Yatra’s culmination.” BJP leader Ravinder Raina highlighted the role of locals, stating, “The community’s support makes the Amarnath Yatra a success, showcasing unity and devotion.”
The convoy, split into 3,403 pilgrims heading to Nunwan-Pahalgam base camp and 2,489 to Baltal base camp, was escorted under multi-tier security due to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Despite this, the pilgrims’ enthusiasm remained undeterred, with over 3.5 lakh devotees registered for the 2025 Yatra.
Enhanced Arrangements for a Safe PilgrimageThe SASB, in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, has introduced significant upgrades for the 2025 Yatra. The twin routes—48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam and 14-km Baltal—have been widened from six to twelve feet, improving accessibility. A new Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk, Srinagar, with a capacity of 1,300 pilgrims, was inaugurated to enhance lodging facilities. Additionally, 139 langars (community kitchens) along the route, including five at Bhagwati Nagar and 50 along national highways, provide free meals to pilgrims.
Security measures include 180 additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies, facial recognition systems, and K-9 squads, ensuring safety along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and beyond. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who performed a puja before flagging off the convoy, remarked, “The devotees of Bholenath have neglected all terror attacks and arrived in huge numbers. I am hopeful this Yatra will be more historic than previous ones.”
History of Shri Amarnath Ji ShrineThe Amarnath Cave Shrine, located at 3,880 meters in the Himalayas, is one of Hinduism’s holiest sites, revered for its natural ice lingam symbolizing Lord Shiva. Believed to be over 5,000 years old, the cave is tied to a legend where Lord Shiva shared the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) with Goddess Parvati, leaving his entourage at various points—Nandi at Pahalgam, the snake at Chandanwari, the moon at Sheshnag, Ganesha at Mahagunas, and the five elements at Panjtarni. Immortal pigeons, said to have overheard this discourse, are often sighted by pilgrims.
Rediscovered in the 15th century by a Kashmiri shepherd, Buta Malik, the shrine gained prominence under Dogra rulers in the 19th century. The SASB, established in 2000, now manages the Yatra, which draws lakhs annually via the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. The pilgrimage fosters interfaith harmony, with local Kashmiri Muslims supporting pilgrims through logistics and hospitality, reinforcing its cultural and economic significance.
Key Details of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 Welcome and Shrine History
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | July 2, 2025 (Welcome at Navyug Tunnel, Qazigund) |
| Location | Navyug Tunnel, Qazigund, Kashmir Valley |
| Key Officials (Srinagar) | DC Srinagar (Akshay Labroo), SSP Srinagar (GC Sundeep Chakravarthy), DDC Chairman Srinagar (Aftab Malik) |
| Welcome Participants | Civil society, trade fraternity, locals from Kulgam and Anantnag |
| Number of Pilgrims | 5,892 (3,403 to Pahalgam, 2,489 to Baltal, 310 vehicles) |
| Security Measures | 180 CAPF companies, facial recognition, K-9 squads, CRPF surveillance |
| Yatra Routes | Nunwan-Pahalgam (48 km), Baltal (14 km, steeper) |
| Yatra Duration | July 3 – August 9, 2025 (38 days) |
| Shrine Historical Origin | Over 5,000 years old, linked to Lord Shiva’s Amar Katha |
| Rediscovery | 15th century by Buta Malik, a Kashmiri shepherd |
| Key Feature | Natural ice lingam, symbolizing Lord Shiva |
| Community Involvement | Locals, langar organizers, and administration ensure hospitality |
Looking AheadThe Amarnath Yatra, concluding on August 9, 2025, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, is expected to see over 3.5 lakh pilgrims, with 15,000 daily permissions granted. The administration’s focus on RFID tracking, medical aid, and sanitation, coupled with community support, aims to make the pilgrimage seamless. The warm welcome at Navyug Tunnel reflects the spirit of unity and devotion, setting a positive tone for the Yatra.
