JAMMU, July 28, 2025 : The annual Budha Amarnath Yatra commenced on Monday with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch of over 1,000 pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, under robust security arrangements.
Accompanied by traditional rituals including shankhnaad, pooja, and chants of “Bum Bum Bhole,” the convoy left for the ancient Budha Amarnath shrine in Rajpura village of Poonch’s Mandi tehsil. The 12-day pilgrimage, organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad since 2005, will conclude on August 7 with the arrival of the Charri Mubarak (holy mace) from Dashnami Akhara, Poonch.
Speaking on the occasion, LG Sinha said:
“Pilgrims from across the country are participating in this sacred journey. The administration has made excellent arrangements, including enhanced facilities and comprehensive security to ensure a safe yatra.”
The LG described the pilgrimage as a spiritually enriching journey and praised the efforts of the Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnath Yatri Nyas, tourism department, district administration, and langar organisers.
Security has been tightened across Jammu, Poonch, and Rajouri districts. Extensive combing operations were conducted along the route, and surveillance measures like CCTV monitoring and area domination have been enforced, officials said.
Pilgrims traditionally take a holy dip in the sacred Pulsata River, which flows beside the temple, before entering the shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the oldest in the Jammu region.
LG Sinha also shared that over 3.77 lakh devotees have completed the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and hoped that Budha Amarnath would see similarly strong participation.
“I pray that this sacred journey brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment to all,” he added.
