Baltal, Jul 05: Their steps are slow, their bodies fragile, but their faith remains taller than the snow-clad mountains they climb.
At the Baltal base camp, amid freezing winds, steep rocky tracks and thin mountain air, elderly pilgrims are emerging as the most inspiring faces of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, proving that devotion can triumph over age, pain and physical limitations.
Armed with walking sticks, wrapped in layers of woollens and often supported by family members or volunteers, senior citizens from across the country are undertaking the difficult pilgrimage with extraordinary determination, many calling it the “journey of a lifetime”.
For 76-year-old Om Prakash Sharma from Rajasthan, the dream of visiting the holy cave shrine of Baba Barfani had remained unfulfilled for decades.
“My health is not good, and my family was worried, but I told them faith gives strength that medicines cannot. I have waited many years for this darshan. No matter how difficult the route is, Baba himself gives us the courage to walk,” he said while pausing for breath near the Baltal route.
Nearby, 69-year-old Shanti Devi from Uttar Pradesh, leaning on her son’s shoulder, smiled despite exhaustion and cold winds sweeping through the mountains.
“The body becomes weak with age, but devotion never grows old. Every time we chant ‘Har Har Mahadev,’ we forget the pain and tiredness,” she said.
Seventy-three-year-old Baldev Singh from Punjab, carrying prayer beads in his hands, said he had undergone knee surgery last year but still decided to undertake the pilgrimage.
“My doctor advised me to avoid difficult travel, but I had made a promise to Baba Barfani. I believe when the call comes from the shrine, nothing can stop a devotee,” he said.
For Savitri Bai, a 71-year-old pilgrim from Maharashtra, the yatra is deeply emotional. “I lost my husband three years ago, and this pilgrimage was our shared dream. I have come here carrying his memories and prayers with me. Standing in these mountains gives peace to the soul,” she said with teary eyes.
Another elderly yatri, 78-year-old Ghulam Nabi from Jammu, said the atmosphere of devotion itself gives strength to continue.
“When you see thousands chanting the name of Baba Barfani together, you forget your pain. The mountains may test the body, but faith keeps the heart alive,” he said.
Across the base camp and along the trek route, similar scenes are unfolding every day. Frail pilgrims with weak knees, respiratory problems and age-related ailments are slowly making their way towards the cave shrine on ponies, palkis and on foot, refusing to allow physical hardship to weaken their resolve.
Many yatris said the harsh terrain only strengthens their spiritual connection.
“This yatra teaches patience, surrender and faith. Every difficult step feels like a prayer,” said 72-year-old Ramesh Patel from Gujarat.
Security forces and rescue teams deployed along the route are also playing a crucial role in helping elderly pilgrims complete the journey safely.
Deputy Inspector General CRPF Srinagar North and nodal officer for Baltal base camp praised the spirit of senior citizens undertaking the pilgrimage and said every possible assistance was being extended to them.
“The determination and devotion shown by elderly yatris is truly remarkable. Despite physical challenges and difficult terrain, they are moving ahead with immense faith and positivity. CRPF personnel are providing all possible assistance to ensure that elderly and frail pilgrims can continue their journey safely and comfortably up to the holy cave shrine,” he said.
He said personnel deployed along the Baltal route are continuously assisting senior citizens at difficult stretches while medical teams, emergency response units and support staff remain available round the clock. As chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” echo through the mountains, the elderly pilgrims continue their sacred march — proving that while the body may weaken with age, faith only grows stronger with time.
