Amarnath Yatra 2026 begins: LG flags off first batch of 4,800 pilgrims in 259 vehicles to the holy shrine

JAMMU and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday flagged off the first batch of devotees for the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp in Jammu. In the first batch, more than 4800 pilgrims set off for the holy yatra of Shri Amarnath Ji, in a convoy of 259 light and heavy vehicles.

The annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine, situated at an altitude of around 3,880 metres in the Himalayas of south Kashmir, is one of the country's most significant religious pilgrimages.

Devotees undertake the yatra to pay obeisance to the naturally formed ice Shivling, which symbolises Lord Shiva. The yatra will conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

The 57-day pilgrimage this year will commence 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.

These are the 3.5-km tunnel connecting Digdole and Panthyal and the 810-metre viaduct near Ramsoo along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

The pilgrims will pass the highway to reach their respective destinations at the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps. The 57-day yatra will start from the twin routes the next day.

Railways prepare for Amarnath Yatra

Earlier, the Jammu Railway division had also strengthened security and taken passenger facilitation measures at the station ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra. According to Railway officials, their focus is on pilgrims' safety, crowd management and essential amenities.

"When we talk about the Amarnath Yatra, it is an extremely important event for the region, particularly for Jammu and Kashmir. It also holds immense religious significance. Keeping this in view, all arrangements have been put in place", Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal told PTI.

He said that the railways have made elaborate arrangements for devotees, focusing on three major fronts.

"The priority is security. Ticket checking staff, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the Government Railway Police (GRP) are working in close coordination to ensure that no untoward incident occurs at the station. Pilgrims' movement is being properly streamlined to ensure safe and hassle-free travel," he said.

He said that to assist pilgrims, the railways have also deployed scouts and guides at the station. "The volunteers are helping passengers navigate the station, particularly as redevelopment work is underway, with efforts focused on minimising inconvenience to the public."

Singhal said that the railways are also ensuring that passengers receive timely information through regular public announcements and bulk SMS alerts regarding train delays, rescheduling or any operational changes.

Ensuring food safety during the Amarnath Yatra

As part of the preparedness measures for welcoming the pilgrims, Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, Jammu and Kashmir, Khalid Jahangir, along with Joint Commissioner (Food Safety) Sanjeev Kumar and Food Safety Officer, Ramban, Balbir Singh, inspected the langar site at Chanderkote earlier on Wednesday to review food safety arrangements ahead of the yatra.

Speaking to ANI, Khalid Jahangir said the department has deployed dedicated food safety teams across the yatra route.

"We are fully prepared for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Dedicated food safety teams have been deployed to monitor langars and other food establishments to ensure that pilgrims are provided with safe, hygienic, and quality food throughout the Yatra," he said.