Amarnath Yatra 2026 begins: LG signs off first batch of 4,800 pilgrims in 259 vehicles to shrine | Today’s news
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday flagged off the first batch of devotees on a pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji from Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. In the first batch, more than 4,800 pilgrims embarked on the holy yatra of Shri Amarnath Ji in a convoy of 259 light and heavy vehicles.
Amarnath Yatra
The annual pilgrimage to the sacred cave shrine of Amarnath, located at an altitude of around 3,880 meters in the Himalayas of south Kashmir, is one of the most important religious pilgrimages in the country.
Devotees undertake a yatra to pay obeisance to the naturally formed ice Shivling, which symbolizes Lord Shiva. The Jatra will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival.
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Amarnath Yatra 2026 starts on 3rd July and will last for 57 days and will end on 28th August.
Pilgrims can reach the Amarnath cave shrine by either the traditional 48 km Nunwan-Pahalgam route or the shorter 14 km Baltal route.
Security measures include deployment of ticket checking personnel, railway protection forces and dedicated food safety teams to ensure safe driving and hygienic food for all pilgrims.
The Amarnath Yatra is significant for its immense religious significance and its major role in boosting the local economy and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dedicated food safety teams are deployed along the yatra route to monitor langars and other food establishments and ensure that pilgrims get safe and hygienic food.
The 57-day pilgrimage this year will start simultaneously from the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district on July 3.
It is a 3.5 kilometer tunnel connecting Digdole and Panthyal and an 810 meter viaduct at Ramsoo along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Pilgrims will take the highway to reach their respective destinations at Pahalgam and Baltal base camps. The 57-day yatra will start from two routes the next day.
Railways are gearing up for Amarnath Yatra
Earlier, the Jammu Railway division had also beefed up security and taken measures to facilitate passengers at the station ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra. According to railway officials, they are focusing on the safety of pilgrims, crowd management and basic amenities.
“When we talk about Amarnath Yatra, it is an extremely important event for the region, especially for Jammu and Kashmir. It also has immense religious significance. Keeping this in mind, all arrangements have been put in place,” Divisional Senior Commercial Director, Jammu, Uchit Singhal told PTI.
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He said the railways has made elaborate arrangements for the devotees focusing on three major fronts.
“Safety is the first priority. Ticket control staff, Railway Protection Corps (RPF) and State Railway Police (GRP) are working closely together to ensure that no untoward incident takes place at the railway station. The movement of pilgrims is properly streamlined to ensure safe and hassle-free travel,” he said.
He said the railways have also deployed scouts and guides at the station to help the pilgrims. “Volunteers help passengers find their way around the station, particularly when redevelopment work is underway, with efforts aimed at minimizing inconvenience to the public.”
Singhal said the railways also ensure that passengers receive timely information through regular public announcements and bulk SMS alerts on train delays, schedule changes or any operational changes.
Ensuring food safety during Amarnath Yatra
As part of the preparations to welcome the pilgrims, Food and Drug Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir, Khalid Jahangir, along with Joint Food Safety Commissioner Sanjeev Kumar and Food Safety Officer Ramban Balbir Singh inspected the langar site at Chanderkot earlier on Wednesday to review the food safety arrangements.
Read also | Amarnath Yatra has crossed the 4 million mark of pilgrims this season
Speaking to ANI, Khalid Jahangir said that the ministry has deployed dedicated food safety teams along the yatra route.
“We are fully prepared for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Dedicated food safety teams have been deployed to monitor langars and other food establishments to ensure that pilgrims get safe, hygienic and quality food throughout the Yatra,” he said.
