Jammu, September 22, 2026 ; Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday felicitated organisers and volunteers of Langar Organisations at Katra in Reasi for their contribution to the successful culmination of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.
The Lieutenant Governor described the volunteers as embodiments of selfless service, compassion and devotion, saying their contribution reflected India’s enduring culture of seva and would be remembered as an important part of the pilgrimage.
4.80 Lakh Devotees Had Darshan
The 57-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra began on July 3 and concluded on August 28, 2026, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
More than 4.80 lakh devotees had darshan of Baba Barfani during the pilgrimage. Around 82 per cent of the total darshans were completed within the first 20 days, while the figure reached 95 per cent within 30 days.
The pilgrimage faced rainfall for more than 10 days as well as an unexpected influx of unregistered pilgrims during the first four to five days.
Sinha said effective coordination by the Shrine Board, timely decisions and cooperation among stakeholders ensured that pilgrims continued to receive necessary services and facilities.
120 Langar Organisations Provided Seva
The Lieutenant Governor said 120 Langar Organisations established service camps at base camps and along the challenging pilgrimage routes.
Thousands of volunteers worked around the clock despite difficult weather and cold conditions, providing food and other assistance to pilgrims without seeking recognition or reward.
Sinha said the selfless service of the Langar Organisations provided strength and support to lakhs of devotees during the pilgrimage.
Digital System for Pony and Palanquin Services
Highlighting measures taken to improve pilgrimage management, Sinha said approximately 1.87 lakh pilgrims used palanquin and pony services through the digital prepaid system.
The system helped ensure adherence to prescribed rates, facilitate faster grievance redressal and prevent overcharging.
Healthcare Infrastructure Strengthened
A comprehensive medical network was established along the pilgrimage routes and base camps.
The arrangements included:
- 93 medical facilities
- More than 595 beds
- 26 oxygen booths
- 100-bed hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari established by DRDO and the Department of Health & Medical Education
- 1,430 doctors and health workers deployed round the clock
- 48 ambulances, including 4×4 vehicles for difficult-to-access routes
These arrangements were aimed at providing timely medical assistance to pilgrims throughout the Yatra.
7,900 Toilets and Bathing Units Installed
The administration also focused on sanitation and waste management.
Around 7,900 toilet and bathing units were installed, while approximately 7,900 sanitation workers were deployed during the pilgrimage.
Sinha said these efforts contributed towards the objective of conducting a zero-waste Yatra.
He also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to the “Swachh Amarnath Yatra” during Mann Ki Baat.
Shared Effort Behind Successful Yatra
Sinha said the successful conduct of the pilgrimage demonstrated that when the administration, civil society, local residents of Jammu and Kashmir and Langar Organisations work together with a common resolve, major challenges can be overcome.
He described the participating organisations as custodians of India’s shared civilisational heritage and urged stakeholders to begin preparations for the 2027 Yatra based on the experiences and lessons of this year’s pilgrimage.
The Lieutenant Governor also called for continued cooperation with the Shrine Board so that the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra can emerge as a model spiritual pilgrimage at the national level.
Focus on Healthier Community Kitchens
Sinha further urged the Shrine Board and Langar Organisations to explore incorporating millets into community kitchens and bhojnalayas, with the objective of encouraging healthier dietary practices among pilgrims and volunteers.
He expressed gratitude to all organisations, volunteers, officials and service providers associated with the pilgrimage and prayed for their continued service to devotees in the coming years.
Senior officials present at the felicitation ceremony included Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and CEO of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Tejinder Singh, IGP Jammu; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range; Mukund Tibrewal, SSP Reasi; Kumar Abhishek, Deputy Commissioner Reasi; and Rahul Singh, Additional CEO, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.
Representatives of the Langar Organisations, civil and police administration and Shrine Board officials also attended the ceremony.
