Amarnath Yatra: LG flags off first batch of pilgrims

The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 got underway on Thursday with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch of more than 4,800 pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp in Jammu.

The convoy, comprising 259 light and heavy vehicles, departed early in the morning under what officials described as unprecedented security arrangements. The road opening parties had sanitised the entire yatra route before the yatra convoy was flagged off from the base camp in Jammu. The quick reaction teams remained stationed along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at vantage locations to prevent any untoward incident.

Pilgrims received a traditional warm welcome along the route to the Kashmir Valley, with locals and devotees chanting religious and patriotic slogans at various points.

The Lt Governor wished all the devotees a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey and prayed for peace, prosperity, and happiness for all.

The pilgrims reached the valley through the Navyug tunnel in the Qazigund area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, where they were welcomed by the South Kashmir Range deputy inspector general of police and the Kulgam deputy commissioner.

The officials welcomed the yatris with garlands, flower bouquets, sweets, and tricolours. The convoys left separately for the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, from where they will leave for the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine early Friday. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in and around the base camps in the valley.

The yatra is being monitored 24×7 from the Integrated Command and Control Centre at Raj Bhawan and the Police Control Room, while an RFID-based tracking system has also been put in place.

Before embarking on the journey of faith, a group of pilgrims from Nasik told media persons that the atmosphere here in Jammu is very upbeat. “We are going to perform darshan inside the cave shrine without any fear in our minds. We also want to let the nation know that the UT administration has made extensive security arrangements and there is no need to be afraid.”

Despite late-night rains, the atmosphere inside the base camp was upbeat since early morning as a large number of pilgrims from different states were seen singing praises of Lord Shiva and chanting Vedic mantras before embarking on the journey.

To facilitate pilgrims during the yatra, the CRPF has deployed a team of its women personnel to help female pilgrims. Several mountain rescue teams (MRTs) have been stationed along the yatra routes to facilitate pilgrims.