Amarnath Yatra 2025: Pilgrims chant bhajans in devotion at the Holy Amarnath Cave

Srinagar, July 3, 2025 – The sacred Amarnath Yatra 2025 commenced today as thousands of pilgrims, filled with spiritual fervor, trekked from the twin base camps of Baltal and Nunwan towards the 3,880-meter-high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas, home to the naturally formed ice-lingam symbolizing Lord Shiva. As devotees reached the holy Amarnath Cave, the air resonated with soulful bhajans and chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole,” marking a profound moment of devotion amidst stringent security arrangements following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.Spiritual Fervor at the Holy CaveThe first batch of 5,892 pilgrims, including men, women, children, sadhus, and sadhvis, was flagged off from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu on July 2, 2025, by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). The convoy, comprising 310 vehicles, reached the Kashmir Valley by Wednesday afternoon, warmly welcomed by locals in Kulgam, Anantnag, and Srinagar districts. Of these, 2,489 pilgrims took the shorter, steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district, while 3,403 followed the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district.As pilgrims reached the Amarnath Cave early Thursday, the atmosphere transformed into one of divine reverence. Devotees like Manisha Ramola from Baltal, on her first Yatra, shared, “Chanting bhajans as we approached the holy cave felt like a direct connection to Lord Shiva. The exhaustion of the trek vanished with His blessings.” A seasoned pilgrim from Sangrur, Punjab, visiting for the 14th time, added, “The bhajans and chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ uplift our spirits, making this journey unforgettable.” Videos shared by the Raj Bhavan captured pilgrims singing devotional bhajans at the cave, their voices echoing through the Himalayas, a testament to their unshaken faith despite security concerns.

Robust Security FrameworkThe Yatra’s commencement follows a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists, leading to a 10.19% drop in registrations compared to 2024’s 5 lakh visitors. With over 331,000 devotees registered this year, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has deployed an extensive security grid to ensure safety. Key measures include:

1. Massive Force Deployment: Over 50,000 personnel, including 581 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies (219 from CRPF), alongside J&K Police, ITBP, and SSB, are stationed across routes, base camps, and NH-44. Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat emphasised strict adherence to SOPs and coordinated operations to dismantle terror networks.
2. Advanced Surveillance: Facial recognition systems, CCTV cameras, drones, and jammers monitor both routes, with real-time oversight from an Integrated Command and Control Centre in Jammu. Aerial surveillance enhances monitoring.
3. RFID Tracking: Pilgrims and vehicles are equipped with RFID tags post-biometric eKYC verification to ensure real-time tracking and swift emergency response.
4. No Flying Zone: Both Pahalgam and Baltal routes are designated “No Flying Zones” from July 1 to August 10, 2025, with helicopter services suspended due to security risks.
5. CRPF Women’s Team: A dedicated “May I Help You” CRPF women’s team assists female pilgrims along the Baltal route, enhancing safety and support.
6. Traffic and Convoy Protocols: Strict cut-off timings regulate movement, with vehicles on the Pahalgam route required to cross Mir Bazar by 4:00 PM and Banihal to Pahalgam by 11:30 AM. Non-convoy pilgrims and tourists are restricted to travel between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Joint checkpoints at Nagrota and Jakheni enforce compliance.
7. Disaster Preparedness: Mock drills for glacier burst floods (GLOF) and the ONGC Disaster Management Complex at Baltal, set for inauguration on July 4, 2025, ensure readiness for natural calamities.
8. Media Restrictions: Authorities have warned journalists against posing as pilgrims to bypass security, emphasizing protocol adherence.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha, who performed a puja at Bhagwati Nagar, stated, “No threat can shake the faith of devotees. The administration and security forces have made elaborate arrangements for a historic Yatra.”

Community Support and FacilitiesThe Yatra’s success is bolstered by local hospitality and enhanced facilities. Kashmiri Muslims, demonstrating unity, welcomed pilgrims with garlands at Baltal, Nunwan, Nowgam, and Pantha Chowk, reinforcing the pilgrimage’s role as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim harmony. The J&K Waqf Board, led by Chairperson Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, inaugurated a Bhandara at Baltal to serve pilgrims throughout the 38-day pilgrimage.

The ONGC Yatri Niwas at Baltal, spanning 6,315 square meters, provides lodging, sanitation, and emergency infrastructure, with similar facilities under development at Nunwan, Bijbehara, and Sidhra. Medical support includes 100-bed hospitals at Chandanwari and Baltal, mobile medical teams, oxygen booths, and air ambulances. Northern Railway has deployed additional security and CCTV at Jammu station, operating special trains for pilgrims.

Resilience Amid ChallengesDespite the Pahalgam attack’s impact on tourism, with regions like Ludhiana reporting a 50% drop in medical certificate applications, devotees remain undeterred. Anand Thapa, a pilgrim, remarked, “Chanting bhajans at the cave washes away all fears. This is Lord Shiva’s blessing.” Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, welcoming pilgrims at Banihal, described a “festival-like atmosphere,” emphasizing the Yatra’s unifying spirit.

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