Is the Amarnath Yatra 2025 off to a grand start..

Jammu: The sacred Amarnath Yatra has officially begun for the year 2025, as the first group of pilgrims was flagged off from Jammu by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday. Amid tight security and devotional fervor, thousands of pilgrims started their journey toward the revered Amarnath cave shrine nestled in the Himalayas.

The event was marked by chants of Bam Bam Bhole as devotees boarded buses at the Yatri Niwas base camp in Bhagwati Nagar. LG Manoj Sinha waved the green flag, expressing his wishes for a safe and peaceful yatra season. The administration has made full arrangements for the convenience and safety of all pilgrims. I urge everyone to follow the guidelines and cooperate with security forces, he said. So far, over 3.5 lakh devotees have registered for this year’s yatra through online and offline modes a record-breaking number indicating the spiritual significance and continued popularity of the pilgrimage.

The Amarnath Yatra spans approximately 46 days and will culminate on Shravan Purnima, which falls on August 19 this year. Devotees can choose between two routes the traditional Pahalgam route and the relatively shorter Baltal route. Both are being closely monitored and guarded by thousands of personnel from CRPF, J&K Police, and other security forces.

The shrine, located at an altitude of about 3,880 meters, houses the naturally formed ice lingam of Lord Shiva, drawing lakhs of pilgrims every year from across India and abroad. Medical aid posts, helipads, weather monitoring systems, RFID tracking, and Langars (community kitchens) have been set up along the route to ensure smooth passage and immediate support. Given the high influx of devotees this year, the administration has urged pilgrims to stick to their designated dates and routes to avoid overcrowding.

The annual pilgrimage, apart from its religious importance, also contributes significantly to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the sectors of tourism, transport, and local trade. As the first batch sets forth on their divine journey, the atmosphere is charged with spiritual energy, prayers, and hope for a peaceful and fulfilling yatra season in 2025.