Urges pilgrims to reserve 10% for local products
Links pilgrimage to five sacred resolutions
Terms Yatra eternal chapter of India’s spiritual tradition
Srinagar, Jul 03: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called upon devotees undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra to contribute towards Kashmir’s local economy and safeguard the fragile Himalayan environment, while linking the sacred pilgrimage with five national resolutions rooted in spirituality, sustainability and social responsibility.
In an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi extended his greetings to pilgrims and described the Yatra as “an eternal chapter of India’s spiritual tradition and cultural unity”.
“The Amarnath Yatra connected with the darshan of Baba Barfani is an eternal chapter in our spiritual tradition and cultural unity. My prayers are that this sacred pilgrimage of Shiv devotees remains safe and auspicious in every way,” the statement said, quoting PM Modi
The PM urged devotees to spend at least 10 per cent of their travel budget on locally made products and services so that the economic benefits of the pilgrimage directly reach Kashmiri families dependent on the Yatra season.
Officials said the appeal aims to strengthen the livelihoods of ponywalas, transporters, artisans, hoteliers, traders and small vendors across Kashmir.
Modi also emphasised environmental responsibility during the pilgrimage and appealed to pilgrims to maintain cleanliness, reduce plastic waste and protect the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region through responsible tourism practices.
On the occasion of the commencement of the Yatra, the Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam dedicated to Lord Shiva and greeted devotees across the country. Explaining the verse, the Prime Minister said, “I daily worship the merciful Lord Amarnath, whose nature cannot be comprehended through speech, intellect, mind, the senses, or even through severe penance, who is easily attainable through devotion, and who is the refuge of those who bow before him.”
Modi posted the message on X as the annual pilgrimage formally commenced from the twin routes of Baltal and Pahalgam amid elaborate security and administrative arrangements.
Officials said the Prime Minister’s five resolutions associated with the Yatra revolve around environmental protection, cleanliness, support for local economy, social harmony and national unity.
The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra remains one of the country’s most revered spiritual journeys and also serves as a crucial economic lifeline for thousands of families in Kashmir. From Srinagar to the high-altitude routes leading to the holy cave shrine, the pilgrimage season witnesses intense economic activity and cultural interaction.
Modi’s message this year seeks to blend devotion with sustainable development by encouraging pilgrims to become active participants in preserving Kashmir’s ecology and supporting its people while seeking the blessings of Baba Barfani.
