Srinagar, July 16, 2025 — The annual Amarnath Yatra, a significant Hindu pilgrimage to the sacred cave shrine of Lord Shiva in the Kashmir Himalayas, has crossed the 2.34 lakh pilgrim mark since its commencement on July 3, 2025. Despite overcast weather and heightened security concerns following a terror attack earlier this year, devotees continue to throng the 3,880-meter-high cave shrine, undeterred by challenges, showcasing their unwavering faith.On Wednesday, July 16, a fresh batch of 6,064 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu, heading toward the Amarnath cave via the twin routes of Pahalgam (48 km) and Baltal (14 km). The pilgrimage, which began with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch of 5,485 devotees, has seen over 2.34 lakh yatris perform darshan at the holy cave, where an ice stalagmite, believed to symbolize Lord Shiva’s lingam, draws devotees from across India.
The Yatra, scheduled to conclude on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, has been marked by extensive multi-tier security arrangements, including facial-recognition systems, no-fly zones over the routes, and the Indian Army’s Operation SHIVA 2025. This follows a tragic April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed, prompting authorities to deploy 581 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies, including 219 from the CRPF, and conduct mock drills to ensure safety. A special CRPF women’s team, “May I Help You,” has also been stationed on the Baltal route to assist pilgrims.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who has actively overseen preparations, celebrated the milestone of 2 lakh pilgrims on July 13, stating on X, “With Baba Amarnath Ji’s blessings, the holy pilgrimage has crossed the 2 lakh mark today. This is a sacred journey of a lifetime. Har Har Mahadev!” The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, J&K administration, and security forces have been lauded for improved arrangements, including a new Yatri Niwas and a permanent disaster management complex at Baltal, set up by ONGC, to enhance pilgrim safety and comfort.
Despite minor incidents, such as a convoy collision injuring nine pilgrims (now stable), the Yatra has proceeded peacefully, with over 3.5 lakh registered devotees and expectations of surpassing last year’s numbers. The pilgrimage, a symbol of spiritual devotion and resilience, continues to draw thousands daily, with chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” echoing through the Kashmir Valley.
