Latest news with #ShriAmarnathjiYatra
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Over 3.52 lakh perform Amarnath Yatra in 21 days
More than 3.52 lakh devotees performed the ongoing Amarnath Yatra so far as another batch of 2,896 pilgrims left Jammu for the Valley on Friday, officials said. Officials added that the number of Yatris performing the Shri Amarnath ji Yatra during the last 21 days since it started on July 3, has crossed the expected figure of 3.50 lakh. "Another batch of 2,896 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu on Friday in two escorted convoys for the two base camps." "First escorted convoy of 42 vehicles carrying 790 Yatris left at 3:30 a.m. for Baltal base camp while the second convoy of 75 vehicles carrying 2,106 Yatris left at 4:18 a.m. for Pahalgam base camp," officials said. 'Chhari Mubarak' (Lord Shiva's Holy Mace) was taken to the historic Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar for customary Puja on Thursday by a group of Sadhus led by Mahant Deependra Giri. The Puja at Shankaracharya Temple is held each year on the occasion of 'Haryali-Amavasya' (Shravan Amavasya) as per the age-old customs. On Friday, the Chhari Mubarak will be taken to the 'Sharika Bhawani' Temple atop the Hari Parvat hillock in Srinagar for customary Puja. Chhari Mubarak will start its final journey towards the cave shrine from Dashnami Akhara temple in Srinagar on August 4 and will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra. Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year's Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them based on faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. Additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police. The Army has deployed more than 8,000 special commandos to secure the passage of the pilgrims this year. The Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. Devotees approach the holy cave shrine situated 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to get to the cave shrine. Those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after having darshan. No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year due to security reasons. The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Time of India
Amarnath Yatra: 18th batch of pilgrims leaves from Jammu base camp to Kashmir
18th batch leaves from Jammu base camp to Kashmir JAMMU: The 18 batch of pilgrims on Shri Amarnath Yatra comprising 4,388 devotees left for the holy cave shrine situated in the Himalayas in south Kashmir on Sunday morning from two base camps in Jammu. 'A batch of 1,573 left for Baltal in a fleet of 64 vehicles escorted by security squad at 3.30am, while a second batch of 2,815 pilgrims left in a convoy of 115 vehicles at 4am,' officials said. The 38-day annual pilgrimage started from two routes after the first batch was flagged off from here by the lieutenant governor of the UT, Manoj Sinha, on July 2. The Shri Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to conclude on Aug 9 on the auspicious occasion of Shravan Purnima coinciding with Rakshbandhan. This year, with an objective of bolstering security during the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, the UT govt declared all the routes of the yatra as "No Flying Zones", including Pahalgam axis and Baltal axis, from July 1 to Aug 10.
Hans India
18-07-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Amarnath Yatra suspended in Jammu due to bad weather
Jammu: The Amarnath Yatra was suspended on Thursday due to heavy rain in the valley for the last 36 hours, officials said. A weather advisory warned of more heavy rain in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. This comes a day after a woman pilgrim died and three sustained injuries in a landslide along the Baltal route of the yatra in Ganderbal district. 'Shri Amarnathji Yatra has been suspended for 17.07.2025 from both Pahalgam and Baltal base camps. Continuous heavy rains over the last two days have necessitated restoration work to be carried out on tracks along both routes,' Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bhiduri said. 'However, yatris who stayed at Panjtami camp last night are being allowed to proceed down to Baltal with adequate deployment of BRO and Mountain Rescue Teams,' he said. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has made heavy deployment of men and machinery on the tracks to complete the work so that the yatra can be resumed from both Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, Bhiduri said. 'In all likelihood, the yatra shall resume tomorrow (Friday), depending on the weather conditions during the course of the day,' he said. Another official told PTI that a two-day weather advisory has warned of heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir, including on the yatra routes in Kashmir. This is the first time the yatra has been suspended from Jammu this year. So far, 2.47 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the 3,880-metre-high shrine since the yatra began on July 3. A total of 1,01,553 pilgrims have departed from the Jammu base camp for the valley since July 2, when Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch.
News18
17-07-2025
- News18
Amarnath Yatra: Where Faith, Fraternity, Sustainability Converge In The Himalayas
The Shri Amarnathji Yatra is more than a spiritual trek—it is an experience that binds the nation. On July 3, 2025, the majestic Himalayan routes of Jammu & Kashmir once again echoed with chants as pilgrims from across India and abroad set forth on the sacred Shri Amarnathji Yatra—a spiritual journey to the ice-lingam of Lord Shiva in the Amarnath cave shrine. This yatra is not merely a religious event; it is a celebration of India's pluralistic soul, a demonstration of the secular integrity of our civil services, and a lifeline for local economies in the remote mountain belts of Kashmir. In recent years, the integration of technology and principles of sustainability has tremendously enhanced the pilgrim experience—ensuring both improved service delivery and the preservation of local environmental values, besides improving the sense of security. I have had the privilege—thrice in the last four years—of serving as Nodal Officer for this monumental pilgrimage. As a Muslim civil servant entrusted with coordinating one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimages in the world, I find in this experience a living embodiment of what India truly stands for: religious harmony, cultural respect, and shared national responsibility. A Pilgrimage of Ancient Roots The Amarnath Yatra has deep roots in Indian religious tradition. Ancient texts and local lore trace references to the Amarnath cave—situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters—to thousands of years ago. According to legend, Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality ('Amar Katha") to Goddess Parvati at this very site. Over time, devout sages and pilgrims began traversing the arduous Himalayan trails during the Shravan month (July–August), forming a tradition that continues with undiminished spirit. When I am asked what it feels like, as a Muslim, to serve as the nodal authority for a Hindu yatra, my response is simple: The civil service is not a religious institution—it is a public trust. Our role is to serve the people, uphold the Constitution, and facilitate the diverse spiritual journeys that form India's vibrant culture. However, in global comparison, it is hard to find parallels where a person from a different religion leads such a major pilgrimage. This is a unique Indian reality that we must cherish and uphold. A Reflection of Pluralism One of the most defining moments of my career came in July 2022, when a tragic cloudburst near the holy cave claimed lives and left many injured. That unfortunate incident coincided with Eid-ul-Adha eve, yet the response from the local community was one of overwhelming solidarity. Thousands of Muslim service providers, ponywallahs, porters, and volunteers—many fasting or offering Eid prayers at the base camps– joined the relief and restoration efforts. The Lieutenant Governor of J&K visited the area the same day, and the image of Muslims offering Eid prayers amidst a Hindu pilgrimage site, followed by collective relief efforts, stood out as a symbol of India's spiritual resilience and unity. Economic Lifeline for Mountain Communities The yatra is also a critical economic engine for tens of thousands of locals across South Kashmir and the Sonamarg region, both areas attracting the workers from entire Jammu and Kashmir. From tent providers, pony owners, palki bearers, taxi operators, to local shopkeepers and artisans, the pilgrimage sustains livelihoods and injects vitality into the regional economy. In 2024, over 4.5 lakh pilgrims participated, contributing to a seasonal economy that exceeds ₹500 crore at conservative estimates. The 2025 Yatra is expected to see greater experience for pilgrims due to the improved infrastructure, better security coordination, and enhanced services. Infrastructure, Civil Amenities & Technological Integration The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), in coordination with various development and welfare departments, local administration and security agencies, has introduced landmark interventions over the years to ease the journey, which include Real-time tracking and registration via RFID, improved base camps at Baltal and Nunwan with sanitation, food, and healthcare facilities, 24×7 medical units, oxygen booths, and disaster response teams along the route. Digital services, feedback and grievance redressal portals, multiple helplines, and information kiosks have tremendously eased the pilgrimage experience. The SASB has prioritized robust waste management and eco-friendly initiatives to safeguard the fragile Himalayan environment, striving for a zero-landfill approach through scientific waste collection and sustainable disposal practices. All of this reflects not only administrative foresight but also a commitment to dignity and comfort for every pilgrim. A Call to the Nation The Shri Amarnathji Yatra is more than a spiritual trek—it is an experience that binds the nation. It represents the unshakable faith of the devotee, the strength of our secular institutions, the hospitality of the local people, and the power of coordinated governance. As we welcome the 2025 Yatra, I urge fellow citizens from every corner of India to consider embarking on this profound journey—not just for its religious merit, but to witness the divine confluence of faith and fraternity that makes this land so unique. Let the echoes of the Himalayas this July remind us all: in unity, service, and reverence, India thrives. About the Author Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, an IAS officer, is Secretary to Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and Nodal Officer for Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025. tags : Amarnath shrine Amarnath Yatra view comments Location : Srinagar, India, India First Published: July 04, 2025, 11:33 IST News opinion Opinion | Amarnath Yatra: Where Faith, Fraternity, Sustainability Converge In The Himalayas Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
17-07-2025
- Climate
- India Today
Video: Amarnath pilgrim dies in mudslide amid heavy rain, Yatra paused for today
A woman lost her life while five other Amarnath Yatra pilgrims sustained injuries after incessant rainfall triggered rockslides and mudslides late Wednesday evening. The Yatra has been suspended for the day due to extreme weather conditions. Total eight pilgrims have sustained injuries so injured were rushed to the Baltal base camp hospital where one woman pilgrim was declared dead on arrival, officials said, adding the deceased was identified as Sona Bai (55), a resident of Rajasthan. The death toll in this year's Yatra has reached incident took place near Railpathri along the Amarnath Yatra route after the track was severely damaged, leaving hundreds of pilgrims stranded in treacherous conditions. Videos from the incident site, captured by the pilgrims, show the dramatic scenes of a muddy torrent sweeping away two pilgrims. People were seen holding onto the railings installed on the pathways, trying to save themselves. Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) swiftly launched a large-scale rescue operation to evacuate pilgrims trapped between affected stretches. The Indian Army, already stationed at strategic points along the route, played a pivotal role in the rescue efforts, particularly in the northern sector between Brarimarg and assist pilgrims descending via Domail, two ambulances staffed with doctors, pharmacists, nursing assistants, and first-aiders from the CRPF have been stationed along with a 'May I Help You' desk to provide immediate medical care and a prior weather advisory predicting intense rainfall, the pilgrimage continued on Wednesday from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. However, in light of the worsening weather and the need for immediate restoration work on damaged tracks, the yatra has been suspended for the day from both Chandanwari and Baltal base camps. No down convoy to Kashmir was permitted from Jammu today, marking the first suspension from the Jammu side this SUSPENDED"Shri Amarnathji Yatra has been suspended for July 17 from both Pahalgam and Baltal base camps. Continuous heavy rains over the last two days have necessitated restoration work to be carried out on tracks along both routes. However, yatris who stayed at Panjtami camp last night are being allowed to proceed down to Baltal with adequate deployment of BRO and Mountain Rescue Teams," Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bhiduri Indian Army provided critical support to stranded pilgrims, sheltering around 500 yatris at Brarimarg and facilitating the accommodation of an additional 3,000 pilgrims in nearby langars. Basic supplies including tea and drinking water were distributed. Notably, Army Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) manually evacuated several critically ill yatris from slide-prone areas, transporting them safely to Rayalpathri for further medical situation is currently stable and under control," said the Camp Director at Brarimarg. Army units remain on high alert with light rain continuing across the affected the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has deployed personnel and machinery to repair and restore the disrupted yatra track. According to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bhiduri, yatris who stayed at the Panjtarni camp overnight are being escorted downhill to Baltal with support from BRO and Mountain Rescue Teams.'Subject to weather conditions, the yatra may resume tomorrow,' Bhiduri India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast periods of heavy rainfall until July 23, warning of possible flash flooding and landslides at multiple locations along the pilgrimage route. Authorities are monitoring the situation its commencement on July 3, over 2.47 lakh pilgrims have visited the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine. This year's 38-day pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 9.- EndsInputs from Ashraf Wani, Sunil Bhatt and Jitendra SinghMust Watch
