📅 July 02, 2026 , Jammu : The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 has entered a significant phase with the commencement of offline registration in Jammu, as thousands of pilgrims from across the country arrived to undertake the sacred pilgrimage to the 3,888-metre-high Himalayan cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The 57-day pilgrimage will officially commence on July 3, 2026, via the traditional 48-km Nunwan–Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is scheduled to flag off the first batch of pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp on Thursday morning.
Nearly four lakh devotees have already completed online registration, while offline registration and token distribution began on Wednesday at designated centres across Jammu, including the Tawi Riverfront, Bhagwati Nagar, Geeta Bhawan, and Ram Mandir. Despite overnight rainfall, thousands of pilgrims lined up from the early hours, chanting “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole”, creating an atmosphere of devotion and enthusiasm.
Pilgrims from different parts of India expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. Raj Kumar from Jharkhand, visiting the shrine for the second time, praised the facilities and said his group had faced no difficulties. Raman Kumar, leader of the Shiv Shakti Parivar and a ten-time pilgrim, said he would pray for world peace, calling it the core message of Sanatan Dharma. Another first-time pilgrim from Jharkhand appreciated the warmth and cooperation extended by the people and administration of Jammu.
A six-member family from Pune, led by Anushka, shared that the pilgrimage was a long-cherished dream inspired by her father, who has been undertaking the Yatra for the past decade. With her father nearing 70 years of age, the family decided to complete the sacred journey together this year.
Pilgrims from Rajasthan also appreciated the arrangements made by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and the administration. However, some devotees suggested improvements in crowd management. Jitendra Giri from Uttar Pradesh urged authorities to increase registration counters and improve queue management, particularly for elderly pilgrims.
Hundreds of sadhus also gathered at Purani Mandi Ram Mandir and Geeta Bhawan for registration. Many described the pilgrimage as a spiritual mission dedicated to seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings for world peace, protection of Gau Mata, Akhand Bharat, and the welfare of humanity. Several saints praised the smooth registration process and the hospitality extended by the administration.
Senior civil and police officials, including Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas, and SSP Joginder Singh, inspected registration centres to review crowd management, security arrangements, and public facilities. They directed officials to ensure hassle-free registration and orderly token distribution.
Extensive security arrangements have been put in place at Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, the Tawi Riverfront, Geeta Bhawan, Ram Mandir, and other registration centres. Personnel from the CRPF and Jammu & Kashmir Police have been deployed, while every pilgrim is being thoroughly frisked before entering the Yatri Niwas.
Officials said that more than 10,000 pilgrims have reached Jammu over the past two days. Various religious and social organisations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Baba Amarnath Yatri organisations, have established free community kitchens (Langars) to serve devotees. Pilgrims entering Jammu and Kashmir through Lakhanpur, Kathua, and Samba also received a warm welcome from the district administrations.
With elaborate arrangements, heightened security, and an overwhelming spiritual atmosphere, Jammu is fully prepared to witness the beginning of one of India’s most revered annual pilgrimages.
