Kashmir: Amarnath Shrine Donations Drop Marginally, Still Near Rs 10 Crore Mark

SRINAGAR: Donations made by pilgrims at the Amarnath cave shrine have seen a slight decline this year compared to last year, but continue to remain close to the Rs 10 crore mark, according to figures released by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) and reported by Daily Excelsior.

The data shows that cash donations and offerings stood at Rs 9.75 crore in 2025-26, against Rs 11.59 crore in 2024-25, marking a modest fall attributed mainly to the premature conclusion of this year’s pilgrimage following rain damage along the tracks.

The Amarnath yatra, held annually in July and August, takes place through two routes, the 48-km traditional Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

According to the Chief Accounts Officer of SASB, the online donations also fell sharply this year. The board received Rs 80.64 lakh through online mode in 2025-26, compared to Rs 1.89 crore in 2024-25. Officials said this reflected a gradual shift back to traditional cash offerings by pilgrims visiting the shrine in person.

However, registration fees from pilgrims saw a notable increase, rising from Rs 5.35 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 7.71 crore in 2025-26. This, officials said, indicates a higher number of registered pilgrims despite the yatra’s early closure.

While the SASB report provides details on cash and online donations as well as registration revenue, it does not specify the value of jewellery, gold, or silver offerings. In response to an RTI query filed by Jammu-based activist Raman Sharma, the shrine board listed these items as “Not Available (NA)”.

Officials told Daily Excelsior that the overall figures reflect steady devotion and financial contribution from pilgrims, adding that the board continues to enhance facilities and transparency in the management of offerings at the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine housing the naturally formed ice-shivlingam.