Amarnath Yatra 2025: J&K LG Manoj Sinha flags off first batch of pilgrims

Jammu, July 2: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Wednesday flagged off the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims amid enthusiastic chants of 'Bam Bam Bhole' and 'Har Har Mahadev'.

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As per reports, Sinha flagged off the first batch comprising a total of 5,892 pilgrims in a convoy of 310 vehicles from Yatri Niwas base camp at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu this morning amid tight security arrangements.

A total of 3,403 pilgrims, including 2,647 men, 467 women, 8 children, 16 transgenders, 200 sadhus, and 65 sadhvis, left for the Pahalgam route in 144 vehicles. Meanwhile, 2,489 pilgrims, made up of 1,748 men, 576 women, 23 children, 135 sadhus, and 7 sadhvis, left for the Baltal route in 166 vehicles, as per an official at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp.

The CRPF's vehicles mounted with automatic weapons escorted the convoy.

Before flagging off the first batch, LG Sinha held a prayer ceremony at the base camp, asking for a peaceful and smooth pilgrimage. After that, he flagged off the first group of pilgrims. Wearing a traditional Dogra turban and a big smile, he waved at the pilgrims as they set off.

Despite a light drizzle, the excited pilgrims blew conch shells and sang religious hymns.

Taking to his official ‘X’ handle, Sinha wrote, "Flagged off first batch of pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025 from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp. Wishing all spiritual seekers a safe & comfortable journey to the holy abode of Lord Shiva and deeply soul-stirring experience. Prayed to Baba Amarnath for peace & blessings to all.”

“This sacred pilgrimage is a journey of faith and self-discovery. Wishing all spiritual seekers a safe and comfortable journey to the holy abode of Lord Shiva and deep soul-stirring experience,” he said.

Many important spiritual leaders, heads of religious groups, public representatives, senior officials from civil administration, police, security forces, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, prominent citizens, and pilgrims gathered in large numbers for the flag-off ceremony.

After the Pahalgam attack, the BJP government at the Centre has deployed 581 paramilitary force companies to protect the pilgrimage from any potential terror threats.

The Amarnath Yatra is considered one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages and has always been a target for Pakistani terror groups.