Preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra are in full swing, with token distribution for offline registration commencing in Jammu. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-meter-high holy cave shrine will begin on July 3, 2025, via the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter, 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The first batch of pilgrims is scheduled to depart from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2, 2025.
A token distribution center has been set up at Saraswati Dham in Jammu, witnessing a large influx of devotees eager to secure their participation in the Yatra. Despite heavy rain, pilgrims lined up at the center, chanting "Bam Bam Bhole". On Tuesday, pilgrims can proceed to designated registration centers, including Vaishnavi Dham and Mahajan Sabha, which will open at 7 am. Manu Hansa, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Jammu South, has cautioned pilgrims against potential fraud, emphasizing that Saraswati Dham is the only authorized token center in Jammu. According to Hansa, six counters each have been set up for the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Jammu South SDM Manu Hansa stated that 1,000 tickets each would be made available for the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
To ensure the safety and smooth execution of the pilgrimage, authorities have conducted a dry run of the convoy along the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar has affirmed that meticulous preparations are in place to ensure a safe and secure pilgrimage, with a joint control room established to respond to any emergencies. Security has been tightened across Jammu, with daily anti-sabotage checks being carried out. J&K Security forces conducted a joint mock drill on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway for Amarnath Yatra 2025 preparation. The drill tested emergency response to landslides, evacuation, and medical aid for stranded pilgrims.
The enthusiasm among the pilgrims remains high, with many expressing their unwavering faith in Lord Shiva and their determination to complete the Yatra successfully. Some pilgrims recounted their past experiences, including the 1999 Yatra and even being present during a previous attack, but asserted that their faith remains unshaken. One pilgrim, who has been undertaking the Yatra since 1991 and is leading a group of 13, shared his positive experience from a previous Yatra, highlighting the protection they felt despite being present during an untoward incident.
Authorities are providing all necessary facilities to the pilgrims to ensure a hassle-free experience. Jammu Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar Vaishya said that the entire dry run process was being monitored closely and that all preparations have been completed.
