LG Sinha flags off first batch of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 Pilgrims

First batch of Amarnath pilgrims welcomed with flower petals in Kashmir

LG extends his best wishes to all Yatris for a safe, blissful and spiritually fulfilling journey, says Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a sacred path where devotion meets spiritual awakening. I wish all devotees a safe, blissful and spiritually fulfilling journey. May this holy pilgrimage bring immense joy and divine peace to all

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of devotees for the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp in Jammu, today.The Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes to all the yatris embarking on the holy pilgrimage.“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a sacred path where devotion meets spiritual awakening. I wish all devotees a safe, comfortable, blissful and spiritually fulfilling journey. May this holy pilgrimage bring immense joy and divine peace to all,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

J&K UT administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, J&K Police, Army, security forces, local community and all the stakeholders have made extensive arrangements for the devotees coming from across the country and abroad.In the first batch, more than 4800 pilgrims set off for the holy yatra of Shri Amarnath Ji, in a convoy of 259 light and heavy vehicles. Spiritual leaders; heads of religious organizations; public representatives; senior officers of civil administration, Police, security forces and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, prominent citizens, and devotees in large number were present at the Flag-off ceremony.

The first batch of pilgrims for the annual Amarnath Yatra received a warm welcome as they reached the Kashmir valley on Thursday, officials said.The batch of 4,822 pilgrims was flagged off earlier in the day by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu.As the convoy entered the Valley through the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district under tight multi-tier security cover, they received a rousing welcome, officials said.

Police and civil administration officials, including the IG CRPF (Inspector General in Central Reserve Police Force) and DIG South Kashmir Range Javid Iqbal Matoo, greeted the pilgrims with garlands, flower bouquets and petals.The convoys later proceeded separately towards the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, from where pilgrims will begin the onward journey early Friday to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine.The 57-day pilgrimage will begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28. Devotees can take either the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag or the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.