Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to devotees as the Amarnath Yatra 2026 officially began on Friday. In a message addressed to pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister prayed for their safety and described the yatra as a timeless symbol of India's spiritual heritage and cultural unity.

The annual pilgrimage commenced with the first batches of devotees leaving the twin base camps at Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) for the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine, home to the naturally formed ice Shivling, revered by millions of Hindu devotees.

PM Modi's Message to Amarnath Pilgrims

In his letter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the religious and cultural significance of the Amarnath Yatra.

He said the pilgrimage associated with the darshan of Baba Barfani represents an eternal chapter in India's spiritual traditions and reflects the country's cultural unity.

Wishing all pilgrims a safe journey, the Prime Minister said he hoped the yatra would be auspicious in every way. He also referred to a letter shared with devotees that was linked to his "five resolutions," encouraging pilgrims to undertake the sacred journey with devotion and responsibility.

Pilgrims Begin Journey From Twin Base Camps

The first groups of pilgrims, including men, women and sadhus, began their trek early Friday morning from the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam, located in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, and the Baltal base camp in the Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district.

The atmosphere was filled with chants of "Bam Bam Bhole," "Har Har Mahadev," and "Jai Barfani Baba Ki" as officials flagged off the yatris from both base camps.

The devotees are travelling towards the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine, one of Hinduism's most revered pilgrimage destinations.

First Batch Flagged Off From Jammu

On Thursday, the first batch of more than 4,800 pilgrims was flagged off from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatra Base Camp in Jammu by Manoj Sinha.

According to officials, another 3,865 pilgrims departed from Bhagwati Nagar on Friday in a convoy of 201 vehicles under tight security.

Of these, 1,735 pilgrims travelled toward the Baltal route, while 2,130 pilgrims proceeded via the traditional Pahalgam route.

With the latest departure, nearly 8,700 pilgrims have begun their journey from Jammu since the start of this year's pilgrimage.
 

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Warm Welcome Awaits Pilgrims in Kashmir

As the pilgrims entered the Kashmir Valley, they received a warm welcome from local residents and the administration.

Officials greeted the devotees before they continued their journey to the sacred cave shrine, where they will offer prayers before the naturally formed ice Shivling.

The annual pilgrimage attracts devotees from across India and abroad every year.

Heavy Security Deployed for the Yatra

Authorities have implemented extensive security arrangements to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage.

Thousands of personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed across the pilgrimage routes.

Security measures include:

• Multi-layered security along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway
• Security at transit camps and base camps
• Round-the-clock surveillance
• Aerial monitoring of the pilgrimage routes
• Escort vehicles accompanying pilgrim convoys

Officials said these arrangements are aimed at ensuring the safety of thousands of devotees throughout the pilgrimage.

57-Day Pilgrimage to End on August 28

This year's 57-day Amarnath Yatra will conclude on August 28, 2026.

Every year, lakhs of devotees undertake the challenging pilgrimage to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva at the holy cave shrine located in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir.

Authorities have urged pilgrims to follow safety guidelines, cooperate with security personnel, and complete the pilgrimage peacefully.