Srinagar/Jammu, Jul 14: The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 continued smoothly on Tuesday, crossing a significant milestone as more than three lakh devotees offered prayers at the holy cave shrine since the commencement of the annual pilgrimage. The achievement marks the fastest-ever crossing of the three-lakh pilgrim mark in just 12 days, reflecting the unprecedented enthusiasm among devotees and the extensive arrangements put in place by the authorities.
Highlighting the landmark achievement, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has scripted history by crossing the three lakh mark in a record 12 days. “I commend all the officials, service providers and volunteers. Their dedication and hard work have made this holy pilgrimage smooth and memorable for every devotee of Baba Barfani. Har Har Mahadev!” he said.
Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 5,335 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in the early hours of Tuesday under multi-tier security arrangements. The batch comprised 3,911 men, 1,288 women and 21 children, who departed in a convoy of escorted vehicles towards the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam.
Officials said 1,736 pilgrims travelling in 84 vehicles proceeded towards the Baltal axis, while the remaining pilgrims headed for the traditional Pahalgam route. Security forces accompanied the convoy throughout the journey to ensure the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims.
The pilgrimage is witnessing a steady inflow and outflow of devotees each day. According to official figures from the Baltal axis, 3,588 pilgrims had safely returned to Domail after performing darshan by 2:00 pm on July 14.
The returning pilgrims included 2,589 men, 873 women, 40 children, 10 sadhus, seven sadhvis, two transgender devotees and 67 security personnel, reflecting the seamless management of pilgrim movement along the Baltal route.
Officials said the Yatra is progressing peacefully under a comprehensive security grid and coordinated efforts of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), Jammu and Kashmir Administration, Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), disaster response agencies, health departments and volunteers.
They added that all essential services, including healthcare facilities, sanitation, transportation, communication networks and emergency response mechanisms, are functioning efficiently to ensure a safe, comfortable and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for devotees visiting the revered Himalayan shrine.
