Devotees embark on spiritual journey to Holy Cave amid elaborate security, seamless arrangements and chants of ‘Bam Bam Bhole’
Aqzar Raheel
Ganderbal, July 3 (KNZ/TMJ): The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra commenced on Friday with the ceremonial flagging off of the first batch of pilgrims from the Baltal base camp in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, marking the formal commencement of the 2026 pilgrimage through the Baltal route under a robust security cover and comprehensive administrative arrangements.
The inaugural batch was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore (IAS), accompanied by Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra Nodal Officer Rahul Yadav, DIG North Kashmir Range Maqsood-ul-Zaman, Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama (IPS), and other senior civil, police and security officials.
Amid chants of “Bam Bam Bhole”, the Baltal base camp witnessed an atmosphere of deep religious fervour as devotees carrying saffron flags and prayer offerings embarked on their sacred journey to the Holy Cave Shrine.
Authorities have put in place elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth, safe and hassle-free conduct of the pilgrimage. A multi-layered security grid has been established along the route, while medical facilities, emergency response teams, disaster management units, sanitation services, help centres and round-the-clock logistical support have been deployed to facilitate the yatris.
Officials said all concerned departments have worked in close coordination to ensure efficient management of the yatra. Security forces, civil administration, healthcare personnel, volunteers and service providers have been stationed at strategic locations to provide uninterrupted assistance and respond swiftly to any eventuality.
The Baltal route, the shorter but steeper of the two traditional routes leading to the Holy Cave Shrine, is expected to witness a steady influx of pilgrims during the yatra period.
The flagging off of the first batch from Baltal marks the official commencement of the 2026 Shri Amarnath Yatra through the Baltal route, with authorities expecting a smooth and well-coordinated pilgrimage in the days ahead.(KNZ/TMJ)
