The commencement of registrations for the annual Amarnath Yatra has brought a surge of devotees to offline token counters in preparation for the pilgrimage, set to run from June 29 to August 19. Located in South Jammu, centres like Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan, and Mahajan Hall have been issuing tokens based on Aadhaar Card verification, with daily quotas set by the Sri Amarnath Shrine Board.
South Jammu SDM Manu Hansa highlighted that registrations for the June 29 pilgrimage have already begun, with plans to accommodate up to 2,000 registrations daily. He emphasised that pilgrims, who have completed online registrations need not visit the centres, streamlining the process for those already confirmed.
In addition to registration facilities, the administration has set up multiple help desks, water filters, and dining halls to assist pilgrims during their wait. This year’s yatra includes stringent guidelines barring children under 13 and pregnant women over six months from participating.
Ahead of the pilgrimage, a trial run was conducted at Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu, featuring mock drills and assessments of logistical arrangements. Security preparations, overseen by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, have involved extensive coordination among local authorities, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), and security forces.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has strengthened security measures along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, with increased patrols and quick reaction teams deployed to ensure the safety of pilgrims. These efforts aim to maintain a secure environment throughout the journey on both the traditional Nunwan-Pahalgam and the shorter but steeper Baltal routes.
The Amarnath Yatra, known for its spiritual significance during the Shravan month in the Hindu calendar, attracts pilgrims to the Amarnath Cave, situated at an altitude of 12,756 feet in the Ladar Valley. Despite the challenges posed by its remote location and rugged terrain, the yatra remains a deeply cherished pilgrimage for devotees across Bharat.
