Amarnath Yatra 2026: Second batch of over 3,800 pilgrims leaves Jammu under tight security

The second batch of 3,865 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims departed Jammu on Friday for the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps. Devotees praised the extensive security, medical, and transport arrangements managed by the administration and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board

New Delhi: The second batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra passed through Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday under tight security arrangements, continuing the smooth conduct of the ongoing pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva.

The convoy moved along the designated route amid multi-layer security cover and facilitation measures put in place by the administration to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of yatris.

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Speaking during the journey, a devotee from Kanpur expressed deep faith and satisfaction with the arrangements, saying, “I have come form Kanpur. This is my 25th Amarnath Yatra by Baba’s blessings. The arrangements this time are the best. The weather is also very pleasant…”

Another pilgrim, reflecting long-standing participation in the pilgrimage, said, “…I have been coming here for 20 years. The arrangements here improve every year. Sevadars from different states have come here. There are excellent facilities for sadhus, including transport arranged by the government…”

The devotees highlighted improved facilities, coordinated services by sevadars from multiple states, and better logistical support, including transport arrangements for sadhus and elderly pilgrims. The overall atmosphere was described as peaceful, well-managed, and spiritually uplifting.

A total of 3,865 pilgrims of the second batch for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 departed from Jammu on Friday to undertake the sacred pilgrimage. Of these, 2,130 pilgrims proceeded towards the Pahalgam axis, while 1,735 pilgrims left for the Baltal axis, marking the continued movement of yatris towards the twin base camps under tight security arrangements and coordinated facilitation by authorities.

Authorities have deployed comprehensive security arrangements along the route, with police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), traffic units and civil administration working in close coordination to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Medical assistance, emergency response teams and assistance counters have also been set up at key points along the yatra route.

Earlier on Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, marking the formal commencement of the annual pilgrimage. The flag-off was conducted amid elaborate security and logistical arrangements across the Union Territory.

In a post on X, L-G Sinha described the pilgrimage as a spiritual awakening, stating, “Har Har Mahadev! The sacred journey to the holy abode of Baba Barfani begins! Flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp…” He extended his wishes for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey for all devotees.

Lok Sabha member Jugal Kishore Sharma described the Amarnath Yatra as one of the country’s most revered spiritual pilgrimages, expressing confidence in its peaceful and successful conduct while appreciating the arrangements made for devotees.

Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, also extended his greetings to pilgrims, stating that facilities provided by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) would ensure a safe and hassle-free pilgrimage. He further expressed optimism that this year’s yatra would witness record participation, surpassing previous years’ figures.