Shri Amarnath Yatra 2025: Pilgrims Flock to Jammu & Kashmir, Praise Seamless Arrangements
Jammu & Kashmir, July 5, 2025: The Shri Amarnath Yatra 2025, a sacred pilgrimage to the revered Amarnath cave shrine perched at 3,880 meters in the south Kashmir Himalayas, is witnessing an influx of devotees from across India. Pilgrims, arriving at the twin base camps of Nunwan in Pahalgam and Baltal in Ganderbal, have expressed heartfelt satisfaction with the meticulous arrangements and seamless facilities provided by the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. The yatra, which commenced on July 2, 2025, continues to draw thousands seeking the blessings of the naturally formed ice Shivling, undeterred by the memory of a terrorist attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives.
A Warm Welcome for Devotees
Pilgrims from diverse regions, including Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, have poured into Jammu and Kashmir, chanting “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bum Bum Bhole” as they embark on their spiritual journey. The first batch of 5,892 devotees, including 1,115 women, 31 children, and 16 transgender individuals, was flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 2. By July 4, over 20,000 pilgrims had offered prayers at the holy cave, with the third batch of 6,411 yatris departing from Jammu on the same day. Despite a 10% drop in registrations due to security concerns, over 3.5 lakh devotees have registered for the 38-day pilgrimage, set to conclude on August 9, 2025.
Pilgrims Laud Seamless Facilities
Devotees have expressed deep appreciation for the enhanced infrastructure and arrangements. A pilgrim from Bengal, part of the first batch departing from Pahalgam, shared, “We are very happy. The facilities are very good… Everything belongs to Bhole Baba. The arrangements are excellent.” The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, under LG Manoj Sinha’s leadership, has introduced widened tracks, safety railings, and grid-powered lighting along the 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam and 14-km Baltal routes. The newly inaugurated Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal, accommodating 800 pilgrims, has been a highlight, with similar facilities under construction at other sites. Pilgrims have also praised the availability of medical camps, langars, and clean resting areas, ensuring a comfortable journey.
Robust Security Ensures Safety
Security remains a top priority, with 581 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, alongside Jammu and Kashmir Police, deployed to safeguard pilgrims. Advanced measures, including drones, RFID tracking, and aerial surveillance along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, have bolstered confidence. A devotee from Uttar Pradesh remarked, “We have no fear. Our government is very good… Our Army is also very good.” These efforts have allowed pilgrims to focus on their spiritual quest, even in the wake of the April attack that targeted tourists in Pahalgam.
Local Hospitality Shines
The warmth of Kashmir’s local communities has added a special touch to the yatra. In Qazigund and other areas, residents have welcomed pilgrims with garlands, placards, and heartfelt gestures, reinforcing the region’s spirit of harmony. BJP MLA Shagun Parihar emphasized, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir are not afraid of anyone now, and all the conspiracies of Pakistan will fail.” This collective support has created an atmosphere of unity, making the pilgrimage a celebration of faith and resilience.
A Spiritual Odyssey Continues
The Shri Amarnath Yatra 2025 is not just a journey to the holy cave but a testament to the enduring power of devotion. Pilgrims, arriving from every corner of the country, are finding solace and blessings at the sacred shrine. The seamless arrangements, robust security, and warm hospitality have ensured that every yatri feels honored and uplifted. As the yatra progresses, the Kashmir Valley resonates with spiritual fervor, drawing devotees into the divine embrace of Lord Shiva.
