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‘Shri Amarnath Yatra-2026’ was formally and grandly inaugurated on Thursday morning amidst the sacred atmosphere of immense faith, boundless enthusiasm and unwavering devotion to Shiva spread across the country. From the main ‘Yatri Niwas Base Camp’ located in Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, the first group of devotees of Bholenath marched towards the holy cave with deafening shouts of ‘Bam-Bam Bhole’, ‘Jai Baba Barfani’ and ‘Har-Har Mahadev’. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha reached the base camp early in the morning, offered prayers amid Vedic chants and welcomed the sacred stick and formally flagged off the first convoy of devotees.
Mahayatra of faith will last for 57 days, last darshan will be held on Rakshabandhan
This first batch of devotees has been sent to the two main routes of Kashmir – Baltal and Pahalgam base camp. From both these trekking routes, devotees will start their further climb on foot or by mule towards the holy Amarnath cave situated amidst the high mountains from Friday, July 3. Let us tell you that this year this holy religious pilgrimage will start from 3rd July and will continue till 28th August 2026. This great festival of faith, which lasts for 57 days, will conclude on the last day of the month of Sawan i.e. on the holy festival of Rakshabandhan.
‘It’s not vacation, Baba has called’ – Unique craze seen among the youth of Jaipur
A different level of enthusiasm and craze is being seen among the devotees, especially the youth, regarding the Yatra. While talking exclusively to Zee Media, the young devotees of ‘GenZ Group’ from Jaipur, Rajasthan said something very heart touching. He said, “Today’s generation often goes to foreign countries or luxurious hill stations to have fun during holidays, but for us, the biggest privilege and adventure in the world is to be present in the court of Baba Barfani. When Baba calls, every difficulty in the mountains becomes easy.”
Three-layer security: CRPF guard at every nook and corner and strict checking of vehicles
In view of the current situation in the Middle East and across the border, this time no stone has been left unturned in the security of the journey. The first batch of devotees was sent out surrounded by the impenetrable security cover of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The convoy of armored vehicles remained ready in front and behind the passengers throughout the route. Tightening the security standards, every government and private vehicle involved in the yatra was thoroughly checked through modern metal detectors and sniffer dogs. Only after receiving a completely green signal, the vehicles were issued a ‘Special Verification Tag’ to join the convoy.
Drones and anti-drone systems are monitored from the sky, control room becomes high-tech
This time ‘three-layer’ i.e. multi-level security grid has been implemented on the Amarnath Yatra route. Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel are deployed on the entire route. High-definition drone cameras, CCTV networks and modern ‘anti-drone systems’ have been installed to keep a round-the-clock vigil in the sensitive and hilly areas and to deal with any suspected aerial threat. Along with this, the administration has established dozens of big langars, state-of-the-art medical camps, hi-tech ambulances, clean drinking water and help desks that are active round the clock on the inaccessible roads of Kashmir for the convenience of the travelers.
No entry without RFID card: Administration issued strict guidelines
Amarnath Shrine Board and local administration have made a very important appeal to all the travelers coming from India and abroad. Officials have made it clear that no passenger will be able to proceed on the travel route without valid registration and mandatory barcoded RFID card. This RFID card has become very important to control the crowd and track the location immediately in case of any emergency. This year too, a record breaking number of devotees are expected to arrive for the supernatural darshan of Ice Stalagmite, which is formed naturally amidst the inaccessible and snowy peaks of the Himalayas, for which the rescue teams are also on full alert mode.