The sacred Amarnath Yatra 2025 began today with a wave of devotion as the first batch of 5,880 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu.
Undeterred by heavy rain and past security concerns, pilgrims chanted “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” as they embarked on the 38-day trek to the 3,880-metre-high Himalayan shrine of Lord Shiva in south Kashmir.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the convoy, offering prayers for peace and well-being. “The presence of devotees in such large numbers reflects their unshakable faith,” he said, praising the spirit of resilience displayed by the participants.
Security arrangements this year include multi-layered surveillance and tightened checkpoints, especially in light of the recent Pahalgam attack in April. Yet, enthusiasm remains high — over 3.31 lakh pilgrims have already registered.
Pilgrims will traverse the two main routes — via Pahalgam and Baltal — to reach the sacred cave where the naturally formed Shiva lingam awaits. Organisers have also implemented upgraded amenities and logistical support to ensure smoother access and better safety throughout the high-altitude journey.
Jammu, meanwhile, has turned into a vibrant epicentre of devotion, with streets resonating with spiritual chants and the atmosphere charged with energy and emotion. The successful launch of the pilgrimage not only reinforces cultural unity but also shines a light on the unwavering spirit of faith in India’s spiritual fabric.
