📅 Date: 03 July 2026 | Srinagar : The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra commenced on a spiritually uplifting note on Friday, with more than 12,000 pilgrims offering prayers at the naturally formed ice ‘Shivling’ inside the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine on the very first day of the 57-day pilgrimage, according to officials.
The pilgrimage began simultaneously through both designated routes—the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan–Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Devotees started their journey at first light amid elaborate security arrangements and administrative support.
Officials said approximately 12,100 pilgrims performed darshan at the 3,800-metre-high cave shrine located in the Himalayan region of south Kashmir. The first day’s pilgrims included around 9,350 men, 2,250 women, over 200 children, 70 sadhus, 9 transgender devotees, and more than 260 security personnel, reflecting the broad participation in one of India’s most revered annual pilgrimages.
Pilgrims travelling from the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam and the Baltal base camp near Sonamarg undertook the sacred journey with devotion and enthusiasm. Authorities ensured comprehensive arrangements for security, medical assistance, transportation, and other essential services to facilitate a smooth and safe pilgrimage.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, one of the country’s most significant spiritual events, is scheduled to continue for 57 days and will conclude on 28 August 2026. Every year, thousands of devotees from across India and abroad undertake the challenging Himalayan pilgrimage to seek the blessings of Baba Barfani, making the Yatra a powerful symbol of faith, devotion, and national unity.
