SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a special message to devotees undertaking this year’s Amarnath Yatra, describing the annual pilgrimage as “a great blessing” and urging pilgrims to dedicate themselves to cleanliness, safety, environmental conservation, support for local livelihoods and nation-building.
In a two-page message titled “A Letter from the Hon’ble Prime Minister to the Pilgrims”, Modi greeted devotees with “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Baba Barfani”, saying the Amarnath Yatra symbolises India’s enduring spiritual heritage and cultural unity. “Participating in the sacred Amarnath Yatra in Jammu & Kashmir is, in itself, a great blessing,” the Prime Minister wrote, adding that devotees from across the country eagerly await the opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage every year.
Describing the Yatra as an enduring chapter in India’s spiritual tradition, Modi said it reflects the country’s unity in diversity as people from different states, languages and traditions come together in their shared devotion to Lord Shiva. “People from different states, speaking different languages and following diverse traditions, complete this journey united by their devotion to Mahadev,” he said.
The Prime Minister also lauded the efforts of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, the Jammu and Kashmir administration and various security agencies for ensuring the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. He commended the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, ITBP, BSF, NDRF, healthcare workers, doctors, sanitation staff, administrative officials and volunteers for their dedicated service to the pilgrims. “This year as well, thousands of personnel are discharging this responsibility with commitment,” he said.
Highlighting the contribution of local communities, Modi said the hospitality of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the pilgrimage. He particularly acknowledged the services of pony operators, porters and palanquin bearers, describing their efforts as a reflection of India’s tradition of selfless service. The Prime Minister appealed to devotees to adopt five pledges during the Yatra.
The first pledge calls upon pilgrims to maintain cleanliness and ensure the Yatra route remains free from litter. The second urges devotees to strictly follow administrative guidelines, traffic regulations and safety advisories, particularly in view of rain, slippery terrain and harsh weather conditions.
The third pledge aligns with the Centre’s ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, encouraging pilgrims to spend at least 10 per cent of their travel budget on locally made products to support the livelihoods of families and youth in Jammu and Kashmir. “Inspired by the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local,’ we will spend at least 10 per cent of our travel expenses on purchasing local products. This will strengthen the livelihoods of families and youth in Jammu & Kashmir,” the Prime Minister said.
The fourth pledge encourages participation in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign by gifting a sapling to a sibling on Raksha Bandhan, which coincides with the conclusion of this year’s pilgrimage. The fifth pledge urges devotees to embrace the spirit of ‘Nation First’ by performing their duties with honesty throughout the year and contributing towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Expressing confidence that the pilgrimage would emerge as “a grand celebration of faith in Sanatan Dharma, India’s cultural unity and the tradition of selfless service”, Modi prayed for the safety and well-being of all devotees.
“I pray that Baba Amarnath’s infinite blessings remain with all of us. May your pilgrimage be safe, auspicious, and may it fill your lives with renewed energy, awareness and spiritual strength,” he said. Concluding his message, the Prime Minister expressed hope that Baba Barfani would inspire every pilgrim to become more dedicated to their duties and collectively contribute to the goal of building a Viksit Bharat.
The annual Amarnath Yatra, one of Hinduism’s holiest pilgrimages, attracts lakhs of devotees every year to the naturally formed ice Shivling inside the Amarnath cave shrine in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir. This year’s pilgrimage is being conducted under multi-layered security arrangements with extensive logistical support to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended his greetings to devotees on the commencement of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, saying the pilgrimage reflects unwavering devotion to Sanatan culture, patience, restraint and an indomitable spirit. In a post on X, Shah wished pilgrims undertaking the annual yatra a safe and fulfilling journey.
“The Amarnath Ji Yatra is a sacred symbol of unwavering devotion to Sanatan culture, steadfast patience, restraint, and an indomitable spirit that never accepts defeat. Today marks the auspicious commencement of this holy journey. My best wishes to all devotees heading for the darshan and worship of Baba Barfani,” Shah posted.
Highlighting the Centre’s arrangements for the pilgrimage, the Union Home Minister said the government has put in place extensive security and facilities for devotees. “The Modi government has made robust arrangements along the entire route, including a multi-layer security grid, QR code-based registration, and strengthened facilities for devotees’ accommodation, healthcare services, and disaster management, ensuring that every pilgrim’s journey remains safe, smooth, and joyful,” he said.
Meanwhile, more than 12,000 pilgrims had darshan of the naturally formed ice ‘Shivling’ at the Amarnath cave shrine on the opening day of the 57-day annual pilgrimage on Friday, officials said. The Amarnath Yatra began early morning, simultaneously via the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in the Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in the Ganderbal district. Around 12,100 pilgrims paid obeisance at the 3,800-metre-high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas. The pilgrims included about 9,350 men, 2,250 women, over 200 children, 70 sadhus, nine transgender devotees, and more than 260 security personnel, officials said.
The batches of pilgrims, including men, women and seers, left from the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam, in south Kashmir’s Anantnag, and Baltal base camp in Sonamarg area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal, at the first light of the day, they said. The yatra will conclude on August 28.
Meanwhile, amid tight security, the second batch of more than 3,800 pilgrims left the Jammu base camp on Friday for the Amarnath cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas, officials said. As many as 3,865 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in a cavalcade of 201 vehicles escorted by security personnel and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), they said.
Of the total pilgrims, 1,735 were headed for the Baltal base camp in 115 vehicles, while 2,130 pilgrims in 86 vehicles were proceeding to the traditional Pahalgam base camp in the Anantnag district. The atmosphere at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp was charged with devotion as pilgrims chanted “Bam Bam Bhole”, “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Barfani Baba Ki” before embarking on their journey. Many expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage.
On Thursday, the first batch of 4,822 pilgrims was flagged off from Bhagwati Nagar by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. With the fresh departure, a total of 8,687 pilgrims have left the Jammu base camp for the valley since Thursday.
Authorities have put in place multi-layered security arrangements along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and at all transit camps to ensure the safe and smooth movement of the yatra convoys. A multi-tier security setup has been activated in and around the Bhagwati Nagar base camp for the annual pilgrimage.
