Jammu, Jul 2: Setting in motion, what he said, “sacred journey to the holy abode of Baba Barfani”, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 from Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu, amid layered security and spiritually charged ambience.
Formally, the annual pilgrimage will commence tomorrow, July 3, 2026 from Pahalgam route in Anantnag and Baltal route in Ganderbal. 57-day long Yatra will conclude on Raksha Bandhan on August 28, 2026.
The chants of “Har Har Mahadev”, “Jai Bholay Nath” and “Bam Bam Bholay” by enthusiastic 4822 pilgrims, who were part of the first batch, rent the air in Jammu today as they embarked on pilgrimage in a heavily guarded convoy of 259 vehicles, destined for Pahalgam and Baltal routes to holy shrine nestled in south Kashmir Himalaya.
Wishing all devotees a safe, blissful and spiritually fulfilling journey, the Lieutenant Governor described the pilgrimage as a “profound spiritual awakening.”
“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a sacred path where devotion meets spiritual awakening. I wish all devotees a safe, comfortable, blissful and spiritually fulfilling journey. May this holy pilgrimage bring immense joy and divine peace to all,” the Lieutenant Governor said. “Every step taken on this holy path is a testament to unwavering faith and surrender to Baba Amarnath,” he asserted.
Prior to the flagging off ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor performed traditional Puja, inside the base camp.
MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma, MLAs Arvind Gupta and Devyani Rana were among the prominent dignitaries who joined LG Sinha on this occasion.
Sharing the blissful moments on the microblogging site, the Lieutenant Governor posted, “Har Har Mahadev! The sacred journey to the holy abode of Baba Barfani begins! Flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp. Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a profound spiritual awakening. Every step taken on this holy path is a testament to unwavering faith and surrender to Baba Amarnath. Wishing all devotees a safe, blissful and spiritually fulfilling journey. May Lord Shiva bless us all!”
MP Jugal Sharma and LoP Sunil Sharma too extended their greetings to the Yatris, embarking on pilgrimage to the holy shrine in South Kashmir Himalaya.
Praying for the peaceful and successful conduct of Yatra, both lauded the elaborate arrangements made by Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) for the pilgrims.
Enthusiasm was palpable among the pilgrims to be part of the first batch.
For Manish Kumar from Bihar, this was the fourth straight time to leave for the holy shrine in the first batch. Part of a big group, Manish along with Adarsh were enthusiastically chanting religious slogans.
“Shri Amarnath Yatra experience cannot be shared in words. We are too happy and feeling blessed,” they maintained, while responding to media queries.
Bipin from Chandigarh was undertaking his seventh consecutive pilgrimage. “For the past five years, I’ve always been part of the first batch and this us immense
Overwhelmed by what they described as “excellent arrangements made by the J&K administration for pilgrims”, none of them had any apprehensions vis-à-vis security concerns.
“We have full faith in our Indian Army and other security forces. There is no fear and we are spiritually enjoying this blissful experience. We will pray for peace and prosperity for all,” Bipin said.
A family of three – father, mother and daughter- from Jammu was equally ecstatic to be part of the first batch. Mother was embarking on pilgrimage for the ninth time while for her teenage daughter, this was the third opportunity.
“We are excited. It is a heavenly experience. Rainy season has added to spiritual splendour,” they shared their exuberance, gleefully posing before the media-persons along with Abhishek Tiwari from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, who was also part of first batch, would pay obeisance at Shri Amarnath shrine for the second time.
“Ambience is wonderful, We really extend gratitude to the (Lieutenant) Governor Sahib for magnificent arrangements,” Abhishek avers.
For a Sadhu from Ayodhya, this was the 22nd pilgrimage. “Baba Bholay Nath calls us and we come to pay obeisance at the holy shrine. I’ll pray for everlasting peace in Kashmir.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Nalin Prabhat besides other senior officers of civil and Police administration were also present on the occasion.
Yatra is witnessing a higher turnout of intending pilgrims this year. Unprecedented security arrangements have been put in place for conduct of smooth, incident free pilgrimage.
For on spot registration of the pilgrims, a 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 Geeta Bhawan and Purani Mandi for Sadhus.
At Udhampur, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Udhampur-Reasi range Shiv Kumar Sharma, the Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) accorded warm welcome to the pilgrims at Kali Mata temple, Tikri. Pilgrims were assured of all facilities to ensure safe, comfortable and blissful Yatra.
J&K UT administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, J&K Police, Army, security forces, local community and all the stakeholders have made extensive arrangements for the devotees coming from across the country and abroad.
Spiritual leaders; heads of religious organizations; public representatives; senior officers of civil administration, Police, security forces and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, prominent citizens, and devotees in large numbers were present at the flag-off ceremony.
Among 2812 pilgrims destined for Baltal route in 147 vehicles, there were 1688 males, 485 females, 13 children, 106 Sadhus and 20 Sadhvis. For the Pahalgam route, 2510 pilgrims comprised 2019 males, 331 females, 3 children, 140 Sadhus and 17 Sadhvis. They left in 112 vehicles.
For Amarnath pilgrims at Bhagwati Nagar base camp, Shikaras and boats in Tawi river are proving to be an added attraction.
Later during the day, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid obeisance at the ancient Ram Mandir (temple) in Purani Mandi area of old Jammu city. Over 400 Sadhus and Sadhvis, who have arrived in Jammu for Yatra, are staying in the temple.
Temple Mahant Rameshwar Dass and local representatives besides senior officials from civil and Police administration accompanied the Lieutenant Governor.
LG Sinha extended his greetings and best wishes for pilgrimage to the seers, while interacting with them.
