Amarnath yatra begins, PM Modi urges pilgrims to keep route clean

Hundreds of pilgrims left the twin base camps in central and south Kashmir on the first day of the Amarnath Yatra to pay obeisance at the cave shrine, even as inclement weather played spoilsport in the morning.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a two-page letter, wished devotees undertaking this year’s pilgrimage. He urged them to make the journey a symbol of cleanliness, safety, environmental protection, and support for local livelihoods and nation-building. He asked pilgrims to maintain cleanliness and hygiene and ensure that the route is clean. The 57-day pilgrimage will end on August 28.

“The Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir is a reflection of India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Devotees across the country eagerly await the opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage every year. It embodies the spirit of unity in diversity by bringing together devotees from different parts of the country,” said PM Modi.

The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Amarnath Shrine Board, the Jammu & Kashmir administration, and security agencies for ensuring the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

“For several decades, this pilgrimage has been managed with great efficiency and dedication,” PM Modi said, while referring to the role of the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu & Kashmir Police, ITBP, BSF, NDRF, doctors, healthcare workers, sanitation staff, administrative officials and volunteers involved in facilitating the pilgrimage.

The Prime Minister said thousands of personnel fulfilled their responsibilities with commitment. He underlined the role of local communities and said the pilgrimage reflected the hospitality of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, while referring to pony operators, porters and palanquin bearers. “Their service on the difficult mountain route exemplifies India’s long-standing tradition of selfless service,” he added.

First batch of Pilgrims cross mountain trails amid rainfall on July 3, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
Imran Nissar

Earlier, the first batch of pilgrims was flagged off at Ganderbal’s Baltal Base Camp amid chants devoted to Lord Shiva. In south Kashmir’s Pahalgam, officials jointly flagged off pilgrims from the Nunwan Base Camp. The pilgrims were ferried in vehicles to Chandanwari via a special shuttle service provided by the Motor Vehicles Department.

“To ensure a blissful and enriching spiritual experience for the pilgrims, adequate arrangements have been put in place at various camps, stations and places of importance enroute the holy cave,” said an official.