Jammu, Jul 3: 3865 yatris of the second batch on Friday embarked on the annual pilgrimage from the Yatri Niwas Jammu base camp at Bhagwati Nagar as Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 (SANJY) formally commenced with the pilgrims of the first batch, both from the Pahalgam and Baltal axes, paying obeisance at the 3880-metre-high cave shrine nestled in South Kashmir.
Meanwhile, amid a spiralling number of unregistered pilgrims seeking “Tatkal (on-spot) registration” besides a surge in registered pilgrims arriving in Jammu and Kashmir prior to their scheduled registration date, the Union Territory (UT) administration has cautioned that slots for immediate registration are extremely limited.
Asserting that it is adhering to the daily set limit as mandated by the Supreme Court, it has also subtly warned that no pilgrim will be permitted to undertake the journey before his or her registered date.
In a related development, the police have rubbished the reports being peddled on social media about the “deaths of pilgrims intending to undertake Yatra and putting up in Yatri Niwas, Jammu”.
On day 2, from Yatri Niwas, the second batch of Shri Amarnath pilgrims, comprising 2965 males, 618 females, 4 children, 230 Sadhus and 48 Sadhvis, left Friday morning for twin Yatra routes of Pahalgam and Baltal, in a fleet of 201 vehicles amid heavy security.
2130 pilgrims, opting for the Pahalgam route, left the base camp in a convoy of 86 vehicles at 3.38 am while 1735 pilgrims left for the Baltal route in 115 vehicles at 3.13 am.
As the number of pilgrims arriving in J&K is swelling up, the J&K administration has struck a note of caution.
It has notified that in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court, a daily limit has been set for the maximum number of pilgrims allowed on the Yatra route. Adherence to this limit is mandatory to ensure the safety of pilgrims and the smooth conduct of the Yatra, it has maintained.
The administration reasoned that to facilitate pilgrims, the facility for ‘advance registration’ was made available across the country through bank branches and online channels well before the commencement of the Yatra.
“Most pilgrims have already availed themselves of this facility and completed their registration. Consequently, slots for ‘Tatkal’ (immediate) registration are extremely limited. All pilgrims are requested to travel to Jammu and Kashmir only after completing their advance registration,” it has urged.
The administration has pointed out that it is not feasible to accommodate the thousands of unregistered pilgrims who arrive daily under the ‘Tatkal’ facility.
“Therefore, such pilgrims are requested to wait for their turn and undertake the journey only on the date allotted by the administration. It has also been observed that many registered pilgrims are arriving in Jammu and Kashmir prior to their scheduled registration date. No pilgrim will be permitted to undertake the journey before their registered date,” it has cautioned and requested the pilgrims to “arrive for the journey strictly in accordance with their registered date.”
Asking the pilgrims, who have arrived in Jammu and Kashmir without registration, to wait for their turn, it has assured that everyone (pilgrim) will get the opportunity to undertake the Yatra.
“However, this will be possible only in accordance with the prescribed procedure and available capacity. You are all requested to maintain order and cooperate with the administration to ensure everyone’s safety,” it has reiterated.
Meanwhile, the Police have also refuted “false reports in circulation on social media about the death of pilgrims at Yatri Niwas.”
“It has come to notice that there are certain reels circulating on social media falsely claiming that there have been deaths of pilgrims undertaking Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra in Yatri Niwas, Jammu. This is a strong rebuttal of the same – there have been no deaths and the yatris remain hale and hearty. Jammu Police remain committed to ensuring the safety of every pilgrim,” the Police said.
In religious events related to Yatra across city, a spiritually uplifting evening Aarti was also performed with great devotion and religious fervour at the historic Shri Raghunath Ji temple, Jammu, under the aegis of the J&K Dharmarth Trust on Thursday.
The occasion assumed special significance as it coincided with the flagging off of the first batch of pilgrims for the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra, with devotees offering heartfelt prayers for the safe, peaceful and successful completion of the sacred pilgrimage.
Addressing the gathering, Ritu Singh, chairperson of the Jammu Aarti Sanstha, highlighted the spiritual, cultural and civilisational significance of the daily Aarti at Shri Raghunath Ji temple. She said the sacred tradition served as a powerful medium for strengthening faith, preserving Sanatan values and inspiring devotees with a deep sense of devotion and spiritual awakening.
She also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Dr Karan Singh, chairperson of the Dharmarth Trust for granting permission to conduct the daily evening Aarti at the historic temple, describing his support as instrumental in reviving and sustaining this sacred spiritual tradition for the benefit of devotees.
A large number of devotees participated in the Aarti and collectively prayed for peace, harmony, prosperity and the well-being of all pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnath Yatra.
During the programme, renowned singer Sonali Dogra mesmerized the gathering with her melodious voice.
On the occasion, Ashok Kumar Sharma, a retired IPS officer and secretary J&K Dharmarth Trust and prominent persons of the city were also present.
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