More than 6,400 pilgrims departed from Jammu on July 11 for the twin base camps of the Amarnath Yatra, marking the tenth batch to embark on the holy journey this season, reported The Hindu. Under tight security, the convoy set out early in the morning, channelling centuries-old devotion through modern logistical precision.
The pilgrims, totaling 6,482 individuals, were organized into two separate groups. The first group, consisting of 2,353 pilgrims, set out for the shorter but steeper Baltal route, a 14-kilometer trek leading to the 3,880-meter-high shrine. The remaining 4,129 pilgrims opted for the traditional Pahalgam route, a longer 48-kilometer trail that offers a more gradual ascent through the Anantnag region. Both convoys left between 3:20 am and 4:04 am from the Bhagwati Nagar base in 268 vehicles accompanied by a layered security cordon including CRPF and local police.
Since the start of the 38-day pilgrimage on July 3, over 1.30 lakh devotees have already offered prayers at the revered ice shrine of Lord Shiva, located inside the Amarnath cave. This year’s Yatra, which runs across two pathways – Baltal and Pahalgam, has seen more than 69,000 pilgrims leave for the shrine from Jammu in the first ten days alone.
Security arrangements have been unprecedented. Following a tragic militant attack in April near Pahalgam, authorities stepped up measures, deploying layered checkpoints, surveillance systems, and crowd management infrastructure throughout the route. For today’s departure, the Jammu base camp was fortified with multiple security layers to ensure the safety of devotees.
The Amarnath Yatra holds immense spiritual and cultural significance, tracing back to ancient Hindu traditions. The pilgrimage becomes particularly arduous because devotees must climb to high altitude, endure cold weather, and traverse steep terrain to reach the naturally formed ice lingam. In recent decades, the Yatra has also become a major economic event, supporting local transportation services, hotels, tea stalls, and pony wallahs, providing livelihoods to thousands in the Kashmir region.
From Jammu, serving as a major logistical hub, pilgrims proceed through designated camps equipped with medical aid, refreshment stalls, resting points, and emergency response teams. The first 10 batches have carried nearly 70,000 pilgrims through this well-oiled system, underscoring the organizational capabilities of local and state authorities.
Online registration continues to surge, with over four lakh pilgrims enrolled this year. In 2024, approximately 5.10 lakh devotees completed the pilgrimage. Officials have emphasized that registrations are capped for safety reasons and crowd control, and facilities are continuously upgraded to handle the increasing numbers efficiently.
Despite the security backdrop, the spiritual mood remains solemn and hopeful. Pilgrims from across India, including children, women, monks, and differently-abled individuals, chant devotional hymns as they begin their climb. Each participant carries hopes of spiritual renewal and personal transformation.
Every batch reflects a diverse demographic mix: men, women, children, monks, and sadhus participate together, reinforcing the Yatra’s message of unity in faith. Among today’s batch, the tally included 4,838 men, 1,387 women, 16 children, and 241 monks, reflecting the communal and transcendental nature of the pilgrimage.
With the tenth batch’s departure, focus now shifts to later stages of the journey – medical support in high-altitude camps like Panchtarni, infrastructure readiness, and safe turnaround amid unpredictable mountain weather. Pilgrimage authorities remain vigilant, coordinating across teams to mitigate risks like landslides, health emergencies, and crowd congestion.
The Yatra will continue until August 9, with weekly flags offs led by dignitaries such as the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and senior officials. Each send-off serves as both a cultural spectacle and a logistical milestone, reaffirming the Yatra’s role as a symbol of tradition, resilience, and collective faith.
Photo Credit: The Hindu
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