Pilgrimage gains momentum, yatris embarking from Jammu spiral up

Jammu, Jul 6: Unrelenting synergised efforts to make Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025 (SANJY-2025), taking place in the backdrop of Pahalgam terror attack, a memorable experience with 360 degrees security grid and first-rate services are bearing fruit.

The number of pilgrims, undertaking Yatra from Jammu base camp, spiralling up with each passing day is a clear indicator. Besides, the endeavours of the administration aiming at hassle-free, peaceful and spiritually unforgettable pilgrimage experience, it is the word of mouth that is spreading fast and far-n-wide.

The Yatris, going back after performing a successful pilgrimage, on their own have turned into “Goodwill Yatra ambassadors.” Their effusive praise for the excellent arrangements in place for the pilgrimage is doing wonders. Increasing numbers of (registered) pilgrims leaving for Yatra and heavy rush outside registration centres in Jammu for on-spot registration suggest that the oral publicity has injected fresh and much desired impetus into Yatra fervour across the country.

Interestingly, the world’s highest rail bridge at Chenab and comfortable journey through Vande Bharat Express are becoming added attractions for the Yatris.

“We successfully performed the pilgrimage through the Pahalgam route. The arrangements were wonderful, even on the security front. There was no fear or apprehension among pilgrims as there were uniformed men all around. On our return journey, we stayed at Srinagar for a day as we wanted to have Vande Bharat travel experience over Chenab bridge. It was out of the world experience,” J Pradhan and other members of his group from Delhi were too excited to share their Yatra experience with the media.

Arvind Kumar from Uttar Pradesh too was effusive in his praise for arrangements put in place for spiritual journey and scintillating experience of exploring Chenab bridge while returning from Kashmir. “We are in India, experiencing this – it made us proud. I’m sure our experience will inspire others to undertake pilgrimage without fear, if there is any,” he stated.

Word of mouth has already spread is visible as the number of pilgrims leaving Jammu base camp is witnessing a steady rise. Fifth batch of 7208 pilgrims Sunday left Yatri Niwas- Jammu base camp at Bhagwati Nagar, to undertake holy pilgrimage through twin traditional routes of Pahalgam and Baltal to Shri Amarnathji shrine, nestled in South Kashmir Himalayas. This was the highest number of pilgrims undertaking pilgrimage from Jammu since July 2, 2025, when the first batch of Yatra was flagged off by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from Bhagwati Nagar.

Officials said that the pilgrims, comprising 5258 males, 1587 females, 30 children, 277 Sadhus and 56 Sadhvis departed from Jammu base camp Sunday morning for the Valley, amid heavy rains, in a heavily guarded convoy of 307 vehicles, including 146 buses and 98 Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs).

4009 pilgrims, including 3022 males, 736 females, 12 children, 217 Sadhus and 22 Sadhvis, who opted for Pahalgam route, departed in a cavalcade of 160 vehicles, 86 buses and 33 LMVs at 4.15 am. A total of 3199 pilgrims, including 2236 males, 851 females, 18 children, 60 Sadhus and 34 Sadhvis chose to embark on Yatra through the treacherous Baltal route. They left Yatri Niwas in a cavalcade of 147 vehicles, including 60 buses and 65 LMVs at 3.35 am.

Annual Yatra, which formally commenced on July 3, 2025, will conclude on August 9, 2025. On July 5, the fourth batch of 6979 pilgrims embarked on the pilgrimage from Jammu.

On July 4, the third batch of 6411 pilgrims embarked on Shri Amarnath Yatra from Yatri Niwas amid awe-inspiring spiritual fervour. On July 3, the 2nd batch of 5246 pilgrims left Jammu for Kashmir while on July 2, the first batch of 5892 pilgrims was flagged off by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.