Srinagar, July 2, 2025: The first batch of 5,892 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, flagged off from Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, received a rousing welcome upon reaching the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday.
As the yatri convoys entered Qazigund through the Navyug Tunnel in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, they were greeted by DIG South Kashmir Range, Kulgam Deputy Commissioner, and enthusiastic locals with garlands, sweets, flower petals, and bouquets.
Similar receptions were held in Anantnag, Srinagar, Nunwan base camp (Pahalgam), and Nowgam, where administration officials and citizens gathered to express solidarity and hospitality. BJP leader Ravinder Raina also joined in welcoming the devotees.
The convoys later proceeded to the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam, from where the pilgrims will begin their journey to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave on Thursday.
This year’s 38-day pilgrimage will be conducted via the 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal, concluding on August 9.
Over 3.31 lakh devotees have registered for the Yatra so far, reflecting high spiritual enthusiasm and strong public support for the annual pilgrimage.
