Amarnath Yatra 2026 Begins: Spiritual fervour marks grand flag-off by LG Manoj Sinha; First batch of 4,800 pilgrims proceeds from Jammu under tight security

Thousands of devotees amid chants of ‘Bam Bam Bhole’ and an atmosphere charged with devotion and religious fervour, began the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra on Thursday as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of over 4,800 pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp in Jammu.

The ceremonial flag-off marked the beginning of one of the country’s most revered pilgrimages, with enthusiastic devotees setting out for the holy cave shrine under elaborate security and logistical arrangements made by the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board.

The Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes to all the yatris embarking on the holy pilgrimage.

“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a sacred path where devotion meets spiritual awakening. I wish all devotees a safe, comfortable, blissful and spiritually fulfilling journey. May this holy pilgrimage bring immense joy and divine peace to all,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

J&K UT administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, J&K Police, Army, security forces, local community and all the stakeholders have made extensive arrangements for the devotees coming from across the country and abroad.

In the first batch, more than 4800 pilgrims set off for the holy yatra of Shri Amarnath Ji, in a convoy of 259 light and heavy vehicles. 

Spiritual leaders; heads of religious organizations; public representatives; senior officers of civil administration, Police, security forces and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, prominent citizens, and devotees in large number were present at the Flag-off ceremony.