Srinagar, July 4, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called for collective efforts to make the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 a resounding success, describing it as a vibrant celebration of spirituality, unity, and brotherhood. Speaking ahead of the pilgrimage, which commenced on July 3, Sinha urged stakeholders to “walk shoulder to shoulder” to ensure a peaceful and seamless experience for devotees. “We must work together to make the Amarnath Yatra a huge success, reflecting harmony, culture, and brotherhood,” he said, emphasising the yatra’s role as a symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich heritage and promising future.
The 38-day pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine, located at 3,880 meters in South Kashmir, began with the Lieutenant Governor flagging off the first batch of 5,892 pilgrims from the Yatri Niwas base camp in Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, amidst chants of “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev.” The yatra, which runs via the 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route and the shorter 14-km Baltal route, will conclude on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Poornima.
A People’s Yatra: Unity in ActionLieutenant Governor Sinha described the Amarnath Yatra as a “people’s yatra,” highlighting the critical role of every citizen in its success. “Every section of society has extended full support to ensure the pilgrimage is conducted peacefully and successfully,” he said during a high-level meeting at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. The meeting, attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and representatives from civil society, religious organizations, and trade associations, focused on ensuring robust arrangements for the pilgrimage.
Sinha emphasized the yatra’s socio-economic, spiritual, and cultural significance, noting, “The peaceful conduct of this holy yatra will send a strong message that the people of Jammu and Kashmir stand united.” He invoked the Kashmiri saying, “Khudai Chu Ekh, Naav Chis Setha” (There is only one God with many names), underscoring the pilgrimage as a symbol of unity and shared values.
Stakeholder Engagement
| Stakeholder Group | Role in Yatra |
|---|---|
| Civil Society | Pledging support and welcoming pilgrims |
| Religious Leaders | Promoting harmony and spiritual guidance |
| Trade & Business Community | Providing services and logistical support |
| Administration & Security Forces | Ensuring safety, infrastructure, and logistics |
Enhanced Arrangements for PilgrimsThe Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, J&K administration, police, and security forces have implemented comprehensive measures to enhance pilgrim safety and comfort. Over 3.31 lakh devotees have registered for the 2025 yatra, with on-the-spot registrations in Jammu distributing nearly 4,000 tokens in recent days. Key initiatives include:
- Security: 581 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) companies deployed, with intensified surveillance and anti-sabotage teams along the routes.
- Infrastructure: The newly inaugurated Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal, Ganderbal, accommodates 800 pilgrims and includes registration and security blocks.
- Healthcare: 77 healthcare facilities, 509 clinical beds, and 26 oxygen booths along the routes, with 100-bed hospitals at Chandanwari and Baltal.
- Logistics: Over 32,000 ponywalas, pithuwalas, and palkiwalas, along with 7,000 sanitation workers, ensure smooth operations.
Yatra Arrangements at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Registered Pilgrims | Over 3.31 lakh |
| Security Forces | 581 CAPF companies, J&K Police, and Army |
| Healthcare Facilities | 77 facilities, 509 beds, 26 oxygen booths |
| Service Providers | 32,000+ ponywalas, pithuwalas, palkiwalas |
| Sanitation Workers | 7,000 workers for a litter-free yatra |
| New Infrastructure | Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal (800 pilgrims) |
Overcoming ChallengesDespite a 10.19% drop in registrations following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians near the Nunwan-Chandanwari route, devotees have shown resilience. Sinha noted that 85% of early registrants confirmed their participation, with numbers steadily increasing. “Undeterred by terror incidents, devotees of Bhole Baba are arriving in huge numbers, demonstrating immense faith,” he said at the flag-off ceremony. Local communities in Kulgam, Anantnag, and Srinagar warmly welcomed pilgrims with garlands, sweets, and water, reinforcing the spirit of harmony.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed Sinha’s call for unity, stating, “The yatra is a shared socio-cultural responsibility. Let us ensure a safe and spiritually enriching journey for all devotees.”
A Symbol of Harmony and HeritageThe Lieutenant Governor’s vision positions the Amarnath Yatra as more than a religious pilgrimage. “This sacred journey is a celebration of Jammu and Kashmir’s composite culture and its commitment to inclusivity,” Sinha said. He urged pilgrims to travel in designated convoys for safety and praised the administration’s efforts to improve facilities despite challenging terrain and weather.
The release of the book Shiva Tatva Amarnath by Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust, which Sinha launched, further highlighted the yatra’s spiritual and cultural significance, elaborating on its traditions and philosophical underpinnings.
Conclusion
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, is poised to be a historic event, reflecting unity, faith, and cultural pride. With robust security, enhanced infrastructure, and community support, the pilgrimage embodies the spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God). As Sinha noted, “The collective efforts of all stakeholders will ensure a peaceful, hassle-free, and spiritually uplifting experience for lakhs of devotees.” The yatra stands as a testament to Jammu and Kashmir’s enduring legacy of harmony and devotion.
