Jammu, Jul 1: Much awaited on-spot registration of pilgrims, including Sadhus, holding tokens for annual Shri AmarnathYatra, commenced at the Tawiriver front and other designated centres in Jammu on Wednesday – a day ahead of the Yatra flagging-off ceremony.
Long queues of intending pilgrims could be seen at registration centres as well as token distribution counters. Meanwhile, the first batch of yatris, who have already registered online, reached Yatri Niwas – main base camp in Jammu at Bhagwati Nagar in groups.
Enthusiasm was palpable among the pilgrims – the part of first batch, to be flagged off by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for Pahalgam and Baltal axis, from Yatri Niwas base camp at Bhagwati Nagar, tomorrow, July 2, at 4 am.
The 57-day long Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will commence on July 3 from the base camps on both the routes (Pahalgam and Baltal) and it will culminate on August 28, 2026.
The main registration centre has been established at Tawi riverfront with proper facilities. Registration centres have also been also set up at Mahajan Sabha for the general public and at GeetaBhawan and PuraniMandi for Sadhus.
Token system was initiated on Tuesday, June 30, to manage daily quotas for pilgrims seeking registration. Those, received tokens on June 30, were in the queues for on-spot registration today. They also got their RFID cards – an imperative for tracking to ensure pilgrims’ security.
The pilgrims, who have registered online, were able to receive their RFID cards at Lakhanpur, Chichi Mata temple, Samba, Jammu Railway Station, Tawi Riverfront or Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas.
As per prescribed norms, the pilgrims must complete their e-KYC and collect their RFID tags from these centres before entering the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas by 10 pm a day before departing for Pahalgam or Baltal base camps in the Yatra convoy under proper security protocol.
The pilgrims would be able to receive the RFID cards at Chanderkote and Banihal in Ramban also.
Later on Wednesday evening, Lieutenant Governor visited the Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu and reviewed arrangements in place for the pilgrims ahead of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026. He took appraisal of logistics, lodging, security arrangements, health facilities, help desks, sanitation, power and water supply, emergency and other essential services and facilities, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for the devotees.
LG Sinha directed the officials to enhance manpower management to seamlessly cater to the heavy influx of devotees. He also emphasised regular public announcements at Bhagwati Nagar and Tawi Riverfront to ensure yatris receive essential information on time.
The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with the devotees of Baba Barfani and wished them a safe, peaceful and blessed pilgrimage.
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Nalin Prabhat, DGP; S J M Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Amol V Homkar, IGP CRPF Jammu sector; M SulemanChoudhary, IGP Traffic; Dr Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; Dr Devansh Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Jammu and senior officials from civil administration, police and security forces.
LG Sinha also attended “TawiAarti” at Tawi riverfront on Wednesday evening.
The “TawiAarti” has emerged as a major attraction for pilgrims adding to the spiritual splendour in the majestic ambience offered by “Suryaputri Tawi” as the dusk falls.
Significant aspect of “TawiAarti” was in its regional flavour as it was performed in chaste Dogri. Following his participation, the Lieutenant Governor shared his splendid experience on the microblogging site.
“Today, I inaugurated the TawiAarti and Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra’s light-and-sound show to welcome devotees for the pilgrimage that begins tomorrow. This sacred journey of faith, discipline and spiritual awakening is a source of inspiration for countless generations and I invite seekers from across the country to participate in this spiritual journey,” LG Sinha posted on ‘X’.
He stated that shri Amarnath Ji Yatra had long been a living thread, weaving together people of diverse languages, cultures and traditions into one shared fabric of faith. “With only a few hours remaining before the yatra’s commencement, Jammu Kashmir reverberates with chants to Lord Shiva, and the holy banks of the Tawi are lit by lamps of devotion,” the Lieutenant Governor wrote.
On this auspicious occasion, he extended his warmest greetings and felicitations to all pilgrims. “The TawiAarti, rooted in ancient practice, stands today as a vibrant symbol of our collective spiritual consciousness, cultural unity, spiritual values and social harmony,” the Lieutenant Governor observed.
“The river’s uninterrupted flow reminds us that just as its waters move freely without distinction, so too should human life be guided by love, cooperation, and mutual respect,” he posted.
Throughout Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, TawiAarti would be offered every evening and each lamp lit would shine as a beacon of hope, purity, renewal, and faith, illuminating not only the path of the pilgrim but the spirit of the society as well, the Lieutenant Governor remarked.
Before reaching Jammu, the first batch was accorded ceremonial reception at Lakhanpur – the entry point to J&K.
They were also accorded rousing reception in Samba at Tapyal-Ghagwal, the entry point to the district by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ayushi Sudan, joined by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anuj Kumar and other senior officers. They also reviewed the arrangements for the smooth transit of pilgrims to Jammu.
Elaborate security arrangements besides accommodation, langar facility, medical room, sanitation, power and water supply and security have been made for the pilgrims. Strict cut-off timings and guidelines have been issued by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and the district administrations to ensure a spiritually enriching and convenient experience for the Yatris.
The accommodation for approximately 55,000 pilgrims has been made across the Jammu division, comprising government centres, temporary facilities and shelters set up with the cooperation of civil society organisations.
Officials have already specified that the pilgrims reaching Lakhanpur between 6 am and 8 am will be escorted to Jammu under security cover, while those arriving after 8 am will have to halt there due to security restrictions.
The Lieutenant Governor, while addressing on this occasion, also applauded the efforts of Jammu Smart City Limited for building Tawi riverfront and ensuring the river’s rightful place at the heart of community life. He said banks that were once neglected have become vibrant centres of culture, tradition, social engagement and spiritual values.
“For centuries Jammu has been known as a centre of spiritual awareness, cultural richness and learning. This land, with its ancient temples, has long embodied spiritual reflection and the finest values of Indian culture. It is therefore heartening to see Jammu reclaiming the distinguished identity for which it has been celebrated in history. I call for people’s active participation to keep the city clean and vibrant,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor remarked that on the sacred occasion, he envisioned a Jammu that emerged as a global centre for spiritual tourism, cultural studies and human values.
“I want to see a Tawi riverfront that sets a model for environmental protection, sustainable development and modern urban planning, where nature, culture and contemporary amenities complement one another to create a new model of development,” LG Sinha said.
He also stated that Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra stood as a timeless symbol of spiritual traditions, cultural legacy, and collective faith. He said it was one of India’s most revered religious gatherings and embodied a responsibility that echoed the devotion of millions across the nation.
“It is therefore incumbent upon us to uphold the sanctity of this pilgrimage by ensuring that every devotee who undertakes this journey is met with the highest standards of safety, dignity, comfort, and care. We must strive to ensure that devotees carry back with them an indelible impression of love, warmth and spirit of service shown by the people of Jammu Kashmir. It is our responsibility to make every pilgrim an ambassador for Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
LG Sinha also launched ‘Raahi: Hop Jammu’ Bus Service, an initiative of district administration Jammu. It is designed to offer locals and tourists a seamless, convenient, and environmentally sustainable way to explore the rich cultural, heritage, and recreational landscape of Jammu.
With a fleet of air-conditioned e-buses, the service will operate on distinct thematic routes: Tirath Line, Chenab Line, Sarhad Line and Fun Line, connecting Jammu’s most significant landmarks.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated an exhibition on Shri Amarnathji Yatra. He also presented Swachhta Souvenirs to Yatris.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament; Sat Sharma, Member of Parliament and President, Bharatiya Janata Party, J&K; Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in J&K Legislative Assembly; NalinPrabhat, DGP; S J M Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; ShridharPatil, DIG JSK range; Dr Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; DrDevansh Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Jammu and CEO Jammu Smart City Limited and senior officials were present.
Members of Legislative Assembly Yudhvir Sethi, Arvind Gupta and SurinderBhagat; Rajesh Gupta; president Vishwa Hindu Parishad (J&K and Ladakh); Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; religious leaders; prominent citizens and people from all walks of life also attended the TawiAarti.
