BANIHAL, July 7: The sixth batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu early Tuesday under tight security arrangements, officials said.
According to the Zonal Police Control Room, Jammu, a total of 8,815 pilgrims departed in 363 vehicles for the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam.
Of the total, 3,989 pilgrims travelling in 181 vehicles left for the Baltal axis at 3:35 am, while 4,826 pilgrims in 182 vehicles departed for the Pahalgam axis at 4:08 am.
The pilgrims include 5,831 men, 2,193 women, 30 children, 598 sadhus, 131 sadhvis, one sadhu child, and 31 foreign male devotees. The convoy comprises 172 buses, 58 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 130 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and three two-wheelers.
Meanwhile, intermittent rainfall lashed Ramban district early Tuesday, bringing much-needed relief from the prevailing heat and humid weather. The showers created pleasant conditions along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway as the Yatra convoy passed through the district under elaborate security arrangements.
The annual pilgrimage commenced on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 28, 2026, on the occasion of Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan).
Traffic officials and security agencies are closely monitoring the movement of the convoy, while district administrations Ramban along the route have put in place comprehensive arrangements to ensure the safe and smooth passage of pilgrims.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is being conducted under a multi-tier security grid with extensive logistical support from the administration, police, paramilitary forces, health services, and other departments.
