Amarnath Yatra Registration. Photo Credit: The Hindu
As the annual Amarnath Yatra 2025 prepares to commence, Jammu is witnessing an overwhelming response with thousands of devotees making a beeline at offline counters for registration. The 38-day-long pilgrimage, set to begin on July 3, will see pilgrims undertaking the arduous trek to the holy cave shrine in South Kashmir’s Himalayas via the twin routes of Baltal and Pahalgam.
On the first day of offline registration, long queues formed outside Saraswati Dham and other designated token counters in Jammu, as eager pilgrims waited from the early hours to secure a chance to join the sacred yatra. According to officials, more than 2,000 tokens were distributed on the first day alone.
Offline Registration Process Sees Massive Response
As reported in The Hindu , while online registration is ongoing, many pilgrims, especially those from rural areas, prefer the offline Amarnath Yatra token system. Once a token is obtained, pilgrims must proceed to one of three registration centres — Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan, or Mahajan Sabha — to complete formal registration by presenting valid ID and health certificates.
After verification, pilgrims receive RFID-enabled cards, which are mandatory for access to the Bhagwati Nagar base camp and movement during the yatra. The RFID system has been introduced to enhance security, tracking, and emergency response capabilities.
However, the process wasn’t without hiccups. Some pilgrims expressed frustration at the lack of proper signage, seating arrangements, and protection from sudden rain showers. “There was no one to guide us initially. We had to figure out everything on our own,” said Prakash Verma, a pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh. “Still, we feel blessed to be here.”
Authorities Step Up Preparations Ahead of July 3 Flag-Off
With just days to go before the first batch of yatris moves out, the Jammu administration has scaled up preparations. Senior officials, including Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and IGP Jammu Zone Anand Jain, conducted a dry run of the convoy route to ensure smooth coordination between civil, police, and health departments.
Over 106 lodging centres have been arranged in Jammu division to accommodate more than 50,000 pilgrims. As of June 30, over 1,600 pilgrims had arrived and reported at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, where the first batch will be flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on July 2.
Tight Security Amid Past Threats
In light of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, authorities are leaving no stone unturned in securing the yatra. More than 180 companies of CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces), along with the J&K Police, have been deployed across sensitive stretches, especially between Jammu and Banihal.
A joint control room with real-time CCTV monitoring and quick response teams has been established to ensure 24×7 surveillance. Security officials are also coordinating with intelligence agencies to assess evolving threats during the pilgrimage.
Strict Eligibility Norms and Health Precautions
This year, the Shrine Board has reiterated strict eligibility criteria for pilgrims. Those below 13 years and above 75 years, as well as pregnant women beyond six weeks, are not permitted to undertake the pilgrimage. Mandatory health certificates issued by authorized medical centres are required for registration.
Given the high-altitude and physically demanding nature of the trek, authorities are running awareness campaigns about altitude sickness, hydration, and fitness requirements.
Pilgrim Voices Reflect Devotion and Resilience
Despite logistical challenges, most pilgrims remained upbeat and focused on their spiritual journey. “I’ve waited for two years to come. No inconvenience can stop me now,” said Shalini Dubey, a 28-year-old teacher from Kanpur, collecting her token with folded hands.
Several sadhus and spiritual groups have already set up camp at Purani Mandi and other dharamshalas. Local volunteers are offering food, medical help, and assistance to new arrivals.
A Sacred Trek Anchored in Faith and Readiness
The Amarnath Yatra 2025 is not just a pilgrimage — it is a symbol of resilience, devotion, and national coordination. As the Jammu base camp prepares to dispatch the first group of yatris, the collective effort of administration, security agencies, health workers, and volunteers ensures that the journey to the holy cave of Lord Shiva remains safe, accessible, and spiritually fulfilling for all.
