Synopsis by enewstime desk: ‘Bam Bam Bhole’, ‘Har Har Mahadev’ chants created a serene spiritual ambience as the annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on Thursday with hundreds of pilgrims setting out from the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps in Jammu and Kashmir. The pilgrimage saw enthusiastic participation, including Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje. Extensive facilities, including medical support, sanitation, and 24×7 security, are in place. This year’s Yatra holds added significance as it comes shortly after the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, reinforcing national unity and spiritual resilience and the devotees are bubbling with joy as they embark on a journey to the holy cave shrine.
Baltal/Pahalgam, July 4: As chants of ‘Bam Bam Bhole’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’ reverberate, the annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on Thursday. Hundreds of pilgrims embarked on their sacred journey toward the holy cave shrine from both the Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camps in Jammu and Kashmir.
The group of pilgrims departing from the Baltal route is expected to reach the cave shrine first, covering a relatively shorter trek of 14 kilometers. In contrast, those taking the traditional Pahalgam route will undertake a four-day journey, walking nearly 46 kilometers through the rugged Himalayan terrain.
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje joined the pilgrims at the Baltal base camp to take part in the Yatra. Sharing her spiritual sentiments, she said, “We are blessed to receive the darshan of Lord Bholenath today. The atmosphere here is peaceful and uplifting… The development taking place here adds to the positive energy.”
The ceremonial flag-off at the Domail Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district was carried out by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri. He was joined by several key officials including Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary of the Science and Technology Department and Nodal Officer for the Baltal route; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal; SSP Khalil Poswal; and other senior officials from both civil and police departments.
Extending their heartfelt blessings and good wishes, the dignitaries prayed for a safe, meaningful, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage for all participants.
The journey was marked by vibrant spiritual energy as devotees—among them elderly women, saints, and first-time pilgrims—set out with unwavering faith and enthusiasm toward the cave shrine nestled in the Himalayas.
Pilgrims expressed their appreciation for the robust arrangements made by the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Administration, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), and supporting law enforcement bodies. They lauded the seamless coordination, enhanced security, and infrastructure improvements that have ensured a smooth start to the Yatra.
To support the journey, the administration has implemented an extensive range of facilities, including round-the-clock security, medical stations, sanitation services, and dedicated emergency response teams strategically positioned along the route.
The commencement of this year’s Yatra is not just a religious landmark but also a testimony to the state’s logistical and administrative resolve. Coming in the wake of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, the Yatra carries a strong message—that acts of terror cannot deter the country’s unity or spiritual resolve.
The pilgrimage continues to symbolize the enduring faith of devotees and the collective commitment of authorities to ensure both the sanctity and safety of this revered annual spiritual journey.
According to the Amarnath Yatris, the Yatra stands as a powerful symbol of faith, unity, and the country’s unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. The seamless coordination by authorities and the heartfelt participation of devotees underscore the sanctity of this sacred journey. Despite recent challenges, the collective determination of the people and administration reaffirms that no act of violence can dampen the spirit of devotion and national solidarity. (Edited)
