First batch of 4,822 pilgrims greeted with garlands, sweets
Devotees praise LG admin, police, locals for seamless arrangements
Srinagar, Jul 02: Amid tight security arrangements, spiritual fervour and scenes of warmth and celebration, the 57-day annual Shri Amarnath Yatra formally commenced on Thursday with the arrival of the first batch of pilgrims in Kashmir, where devotees were accorded a grand welcome by civil administration, police officers, political representatives and locals.
The first batch of 4,822 yatris was flagged off from Jammu by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in the early hours before proceeding towards the holy cave shrine through the twin routes of Baltal in Ganderbal district and Chandanwari-Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
As the convoy reached Srinagar’s Yatri Niwas Pantha Chowk, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo and Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar Dr G V Sundeep Chakravorty welcomed the pilgrims with flower garlands and distributed sweets among them. The atmosphere reverberated with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole” as pilgrims stepped into the Valley with visible excitement and devotion.
In south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, National Conference MLA Altaf Kaloo and SSP Anantnag Amod Nagpure also received the yatris warmly, garlanding devotees and interacting with them as they proceeded towards the Pahalgam route. The pilgrims were received warmly at both base camps—Baltal in Ganderbal district and Chandwari at Pahalgam, where officials from the administration, police and locals presented bouquets to them and also distributed sweets among the pilgrims as a mark of Kashmir’s age-old hospitality and communal harmony traditions.
The beginning of the annual pilgrimage transformed parts of Kashmir into a scene of celebration and spirituality, with officials, volunteers and residents extending greetings and assistance to the devotees. Many pilgrims, especially first-time visitors, said the hospitality and arrangements had exceeded their expectations.
“We had heard so much about Kashmir and the Amarnath Yatra, but the welcome we received here touched our hearts,” said Neha Sharma, a pilgrim from Delhi travelling with her family. “The administration has made excellent arrangements, and local people are treating us with kindness and respect.”
An elderly pilgrim from Gujarat, Mahesh Patel, said the arrangements from Jammu to Srinagar were smooth and highly organised. “At this age, travelling long distances is difficult, but everything has been properly managed. Security forces are present everywhere, and medical teams are also available. We feel safe and comfortable,” he said.
Women pilgrims also praised the support extended by police personnel and volunteers. “As women travellers, safety and facilities are our biggest concerns during such journeys,” said Rekha Joshi from Maharashtra. “But here, the police and officials are constantly guiding and helping us. Even the residents welcomed us warmly. It feels spiritually uplifting.”
Several yatris appreciated the efforts of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the administration for ensuring the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
“The LG administration deserves appreciation for making such elaborate arrangements for lakhs of pilgrims,” said Ramesh Kumar from Uttar Pradesh. “Accommodation, transport, sanitation and security arrangements are all up to the mark.”
Pilgrims particularly lauded the role of Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF and other security agencies for maintaining a strong yet pilgrim-friendly atmosphere.
“The police personnel are not just providing security, they are also helping elderly pilgrims with directions, luggage and medical assistance,” said a devotee from Rajasthan. “Their behaviour has been very humble and cooperative.”
Another yatri from Punjab said the spiritual atmosphere in Kashmir made the journey even more memorable.
“The mountains, fresh air and devotion all around create a divine feeling. The warmth shown by Kashmiris has removed all fear and hesitation from our minds,” he said.
Officials said elaborate multi-layer security arrangements have been put in place for the 57-day pilgrimage, including surveillance, area domination, checkpoints, disaster response teams, medical camps and traffic management along both Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra, one of the country’s most significant Hindu pilgrimages, attracts lakhs of devotees every year who undertake the arduous journey to pay obeisance at the holy cave shrine housing the naturally formed ice Shivlingam.
As the first batch of pilgrims moved towards Baltal and Pahalgam amid chants and prayers, the beginning of the yatra once again reflected Kashmir’s enduring tradition of hospitality, communal harmony and spiritual coexistence.