Srinagar, July 2: The annual Amarnath Yatra commenced Thursday morning with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch of 4,822 pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu, as the administration rolled out a multi-layer security blanket across the Valley.
Of the total, 2,510 pilgrims are taking the longer Pahalgam route, while 2,312 have opted for the shorter Baltal track. The convoy — 259 vehicles, including 106 buses and 111 light motor vehicles — left Jammu in two phases: the Baltal-bound group at 6.10 am, followed by the Pahalgam-bound at 6.35 am.
The first batch comprises 3,707 men, 816 women, 16 children, 246 sadhus and 37 sadhvis.
Speaking at the flag-off, LG Sinha said all arrangements — from healthcare and sanitation to accommodation and power supply — have been put in place for a “safe, smooth and hassle-free” pilgrimage. Security forces, officials said, are maintaining a tight vigil along both routes.
The pilgrims are expected to reach the Valley by evening, from where they will proceed to the Nunwan and Baltal base camps for the onward trek to the 3,888-metre-high cave shrine.
With the yatra officially underway, all eyes are now on the weather and the movement of pilgrims over the next 45 days. Last year, over 4.5 lakh devotees visited the shrine.
For many pilgrims, especially first-timers, the journey began with a sense of deep devotion and gratitude. “This is my first yatra and I have been waiting for years. The arrangements are beyond my expectations — clean shelters, medical check-ups, and proper food. I feel truly blessed,” said Rajesh Sharma, 58, a first-time pilgrim from Jaipur, waiting at the Bhagwati Nagar camp before boarding his bus.
Another first-timer, Meena Devi, 45, from Varanasi, could barely contain her excitement. “I have heard so much about Baba Amarnath. Now that I am finally going, I cannot express my happiness. The administration has made everything so easy for us. We are just praying for a smooth darshan,” she told Kashmir Convener.
Even seasoned yatris were impressed. “I have been coming for the last 10 years, but this time the facilities are far better. The langar arrangements, the drinking water, the medical aid — everything is top-notch. Jai Bholenath,” said Suresh Kumar, 62, a repeat pilgrim from Delhi.
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