Amarnath Yatra starts today

Jammu, Jul 1: Amid layered security and festive ambience, the first batch of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra – 2025, which will formally commence from the valley on July 3, was flagged-in at Lakhanpur – the gateway of Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday.

First batch of pilgrims will be flagged off tomorrow from Jammu base camp – Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at 4.30 am.

A day ahead of the flagging off ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor, joined by the Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and other senior officers had a final review of the security and other facilities at Bhagwati Nagar base camp on Tuesday evening.

Before him, during the day, the Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, joined by the Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police, Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti took stock of the arrangements put in place at Yatri Niwas.

Meanwhile, the on-spot registration of pilgrims also began at all three centres set up in Jammu. A huge rush of pilgrims, aspiring to undertake yatra, was witnessed at the token distribution and registration centres.

Brimming with spiritual fervour, the pilgrims, while speaking to media persons, shared their enthusiasm to undertake the pilgrimage without any fear or apprehension.

“It’s a surreal ambience all around. Since we have stepped into Jammu city and the base camp, we have been experiencing very positive vibes. We are impressed with the arrangements made for the pilgrims. Security arrangement is excellent,” shared Mahinder and Sanjeev, who are part of a group of around 50 persons from Delhi, camping at Yatri Niwas.

The duo is part of the first batch, which is to be flagged off tomorrow morning for the valley.

“We’re not first timers. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, slight apprehensions were there for a very brief period. Given India’s effective response and welcoming calls from J&K people, all apprehensions have dissipated. We are very happy to be back to undertake pilgrimage yet again,” they stated.

Hailing from Tata Nagar, Vijay Kumar, who has procured registration for yatra from Baltal axis for July 3 and 4, too, was effusive in his praise for arrangements made by the civil and police administration for pilgrims in and around the base camp.

Rajinder Yadav from Jaipur, though, was elated yet had an amusing concern- why the administration constructed the Baltal road. “It would have been a different experience when we used to undertake the yatra, navigating treacherous stretches of Baltal,” he shared.

For Sadhus, Amarnath Yatra registration counters have been set up at the Purani Mandi temple. They, too, seemed to be satisfied with the arrangements made for them there.

“No, there is no fear among Sadhus. Even the commoners are happy. Still, if there are certain apprehensions, the first batch of pilgrims will serve as ambassadors once they go back after performing the yatra. They will surely spread word about the excellent arrangements made for this year’s Yatra,” said a group of Sadhus.

FLAGGING-IN CEREMONY AT LAKHANPUR

Lakhanpur facilitation centre imbued exuberance and festive fervour amid religious chants of “Bam Bam Bholay” and “Har Har Mahadev” as the first batch of Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrims was flagged in by the Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rakesh Minhas and SSP Kathua Shobhit Saxena joined by a large number of political dignitaries and senior officers of civil and Police administration.

DDC chairman Col (Retired) Mahan Singh and MLA Kathua Dr Bharat Bhushan too were among those who welcomed the first batch. Arrangements were made to issue RFID tags after eKYC verification at 12 counters. The District Information Centre, Kathua, had arranged a special devotional programme for pilgrims at the venue. Later, the yatris were brought to the Jammu base camp under foolproof security.

Meanwhile, the Traffic Police reiterated its caution for pilgrims, planning to travel in their cars or buses, advising them to travel in the main Yatra convoy only, starting from Bhagwati Nagar base camp for a smooth and secure pilgrimage.

ADMINISTRATIVE HUSTLE-BUSTLE AT BASE CAMP

During the day, the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, took stock of the final arrangements made at Yatri Niwas in Bhagwati Nagar. He inspected boarding, lodging facilities, community kitchens, health and sanitation services. He also chaired a security review meeting to assess the operational preparedness of the troops deployed there.

“All desired arrangements are in place. Our efforts aim at ensuring a smooth, secure Yatra in an organised manner during its entire tenure of 38 days. We want to make the Yatra experience of pilgrims a memorable one – joyous, secure and comfortable,” Dulloo said, while responding to media queries during his review visit.