First convoy leaves Jammu as 2026 Amarnath Yatra officially begins

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Administration Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch for the 2026 Amarnath Yatra, making an enthusiastic speech about the 'sacred journey'. The first group of 2,592 people set off from the Bhagwati Nagar base in Jammu as a convoy of 259 vehicles under tight security measures. While the official start of this holy journey is planned for tomorrow on the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, the atmosphere in the region was filled with religious slogans and spiritual fervor.

In his speech at the ceremony, Lieutenant Governor Sinha emphasized that this pilgrimage is not just a physical journey but also a profound spiritual awakening. Sinha wished all participants a safe, peaceful and spiritually fulfilling journey, adding that every step is a testament to faith and submission. The process, which began with a traditional prayer (Puja) at the base before the ceremony, was attended by high-level officials from political parties and commanders of security units.

While a significant increase is observed in the number of people registering for this year's Yatra, security protocols have been raised to the highest level for this 57-day pilgrimage. To facilitate pilgrims, a registration center was set up on the banks of the Tawi River, and facilities were prepared at various points specifically for Sadhus and the general public. At stops like the Kali Mata temple in Udhampur, pilgrims are welcomed and it is guaranteed that all necessary facilities will be provided throughout the journey.

Among the crowds setting off were regular visitors like Manish Kumar from Bihar and Bipin from Chandigarh; Kumar was joining the Yatra for the fourth time, while Bipin was attending for the seventh time. Some pilgrims, in their statements, praised the precautions taken by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, stating that they had no concerns regarding security and fully trusted the army. Families setting off, including an elderly woman, her daughter and a pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh, stated that they were having a spiritual experience and that the rain made the atmosphere even more sacred.

According to statistics, the 147 vehicles moving towards the Baltal route carried 1,688 men, 485 women, 13 children, 106 Sadhus and 20 Sadhvis. To ensure the successful organization of this event, the Amarnath Shrine Board, police, army and local administrations worked hand in hand in a comprehensive preparation process. Prominent figures from civil society, religious leaders and numerous citizens attended the event, highlighting the importance of this traditional journey, while prayers were offered for peace and prosperity in the region.