The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra began on Friday as the first batch of pilgrims set out from Baltal and Pahalgam base camps for the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva.
Kesinga SDPO Sandeep Majhi and senior officials coordinated security clearances early in the morning before devotees started their trek. Chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” echoed across both camps as thousands of pilgrims moved toward the sacred destination.
Officials confirmed that 4,822 pilgrims travelled in the first convoy from Jammu. Of them, 2,510 reached Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam while 2,312 arrived at Baltal. The annual pilgrimage will continue until August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
Authorities deployed multi-layer security, RFID tracking, digital surveillance, medical support, and traffic regulation to ensure smooth movement. Dedicated assistance booths and Helping Hand teams guided pilgrims along the routes. Police, CRPF, and army personnel maintained round-the-clock vigilance.
At Baltal, Minister Satish Sharma, DIG Maqsood Ul Zaman, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Kishore, and SSP Sudhanshu Dhama welcomed devotees and reviewed arrangements. Baltal Nodal Officer Rahul Yadav said the administration prepared emergency shelters along the 14-kilometre route despite light rain. He estimated nearly 10,000 pilgrims would depart on Friday.
Pilgrims praised the facilities and security. One devotee said, “The preparation here is unmatched. The police, CRPF, and army are very helpful.” Another added, “The facilities are much better than last year. Everyone is supportive.”
Meanwhile, the second batch of pilgrims departed from Jammu under tight security. The Yatri Niwas at Chanderkote in Ramban district displayed tricolour lights as sanitation and public service arrangements continued. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch on Thursday, wishing devotees a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey.
