Amarnath Yatra Begins with 12,168 Devotees Visiting Holy Cave Shrine on Opening Day

On: July 4, 2026 11:04 AM

The annual Amarnath Yatra got underway in Jammu and Kashmir with thousands of devotees making their way to the revered Holy Cave Shrine. On the opening day of the pilgrimage, 12,168 registered pilgrims offered prayers as the administration implemented extensive security measures and reiterated guidelines for a safe and orderly journey.

Amarnath Yatra Opens with Thousands of Devotees

The annual Amarnath Yatra officially commenced yesterday from the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. According to official figures, 12,168 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine on the first day of the pilgrimage.

Despite intermittent rainfall, devotees, including men, women, and sadhus, began their journey in the early hours along both the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route and the shorter 14-kilometre Baltal route.

Pilgrims set out towards the 3,880-metre-high Holy Cave Shrine while chanting “Bum Bum Bhole.” The yatra from both base camps was flagged off by the respective Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police.

Registration and Travel Advisory Issued

Administration Urges Compliance with Guidelines

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has advised devotees to undertake the pilgrimage only after completing advance registration. Pilgrims have also been instructed to travel strictly according to the dates allotted to them.

Officials stated that the measures are intended to facilitate the safe and systematic conduct of the pilgrimage.

Daily Pilgrim Cap in Line with Supreme Court Directions

The administration said a daily limit has been fixed on the number of pilgrims in accordance with Supreme Court directions. The cap is aimed at ensuring both safety and the smooth management of the Yatra.

Authorities also assured devotees that every registered pilgrim would receive an opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage through the prescribed process and within the approved carrying capacity.

Extensive Security Arrangements Along Both Routes

Authorities have put in place multi-tier security arrangements across both pilgrimage routes. Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the CRPF, and other security forces have been deployed to ensure the safety of devotees and facilitate the smooth conduct of the Yatra.

Pilgrims have also been requested to maintain discipline, cooperate with officials, and follow all prescribed guidelines throughout the pilgrimage.

57-Day Pilgrimage to End on August 28

The Amarnath Yatra will continue for 57 days and is scheduled to conclude on the 28th of August.

Conclusion

The first day of this year’s Amarnath Yatra witnessed the successful commencement of the annual pilgrimage, with 12,168 devotees visiting the Holy Cave Shrine. As the 57-day journey progresses, authorities are focusing on security, regulated pilgrim movement, and adherence to registration procedures to ensure a safe and well-organized pilgrimage for all participants.