The inaugural aarti of Baba Barfani was performed at the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine, signifying the official start of the yearly festival.
This 57-day pilgrimage will wrap up on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. Officials have implemented extensive security measures and advised devotees to embark on the journey strictly on their registered travel dates.
First Batch Sets Off
The first group of pilgrims was sent off from the Pahalgam base camp by Deputy Commissioner Bilal Bhat and SSP Amod Nagpure. At the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district, officials also launched the first batch on its journey to the shrine.
Additionally, another group of pilgrims left the Pantha Chowk base camp in Srinagar for the Baltal base camp on Friday to continue their yatra. The day before, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had flagged off the first convoy of 4,822 pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu.
Government Provides Guidance
The Jammu and Kashmir government has urged pilgrims to travel exclusively on their designated registration date, as reported by PTI. It stated that no pilgrim would be permitted to commence the yatra before their scheduled date, adhering to the Supreme Court’s directives on daily pilgrim limits.
“Adhering to this daily limit is essential for the safety of pilgrims and the smooth management of the Yatra,” the advisory indicated. Authorities also encouraged devotees to complete advance registration prior to traveling to Jammu and Kashmir, cautioning that only a limited number of on-the-spot registration slots are available.
RFID Technology for Pilgrims
Registered pilgrims have received personalized Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards equipped with GPS tracking. This system allows authorities to monitor pilgrim movements, respond to emergencies, and track their journey along the route.
Enhanced Security Measures
Security has been heightened along yatra routes, with personnel from the police, paramilitary forces, and the Army deployed to ensure the safety of pilgrims. The police have launched Project Hawk Eye, which integrates aerial and ground surveillance along the traditional Pahalgam route.
The security strategy includes observation posts, sniper teams, drones, AI-driven threat detection systems, facial recognition technology, CCTV cameras, dog squads, and mountain rescue teams. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs has deployed 670 extra companies of paramilitary forces to bolster security measures.
No Helicopter Services for This Year
The government has designated the Amarnath Yatra routes as a ‘No Flying Zone’ from July 1 until the pilgrimage ends for security purposes. Helicopter services for pilgrims will be suspended for the second consecutive year.
PM Modi Sends Best Wishes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his greetings to devotees undertaking the pilgrimage, referring to the Amarnath Yatra as “an eternal chapter in our spiritual tradition and cultural unity.” He also shared a letter addressed to Lord Shiva devotees outlining five pledges, urging them to embark on the yatra with dedication, discipline, and a sense of national responsibility.
बाबा बर्फानी के दर्शन से जुड़ी श्री अमरनाथ यात्रा हमारी आध्यात्मिक परंपरा और सांस्कृतिक एकता का शाश्वत अध्याय है। मेरी कामना है कि शिवभक्तों की यह यात्रा हर तरह से सुरक्षित और मंगलमय हो! इस पावन अवसर पर श्रद्धालुओं के लिए पांच संकल्पों से जुड़ा मेरा यह पत्र… pic.twitter.com/6Bc2Y9tXJC
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2026
“My wish is that this journey of the devotees of Shiva be safe and auspicious in every way! On this sacred occasion, my letter to the pilgrims linked with five resolutions,” he posted on X.
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