Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir is seeing huge numbers — over 1.3 lakh pilgrims have made trek to the sacred cave shrine in just five days of the 57-day pilgrimage . This is a sharp rebound from last year,when a militant attack at Pahalgam route killed 26 civilians,scaring many away.
Tuesday alone saw more than 20,000 devotees head to the holy site, fueling record attendance. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha,who leads the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, stressed need for a safe and memorable journey for all. "Our goal is to make this pilgrimage a truly memorable experience for everyone and they have access to the best possible amenities," he said .
Last year, only 3.5 lakh pilgrims came, starkly less than 5.12 lakh in 2024. The recent surge suggests renewed interest in this spiritual journey so central to India's identity.
Sinha urged close coordination among stakeholders to turn this year's yatra into a historic event,setting a benchmark for spiritual tourism in India. "Such a collective effort can create a model that inspires similar pilgrimages nationwide," he remarked.
He encouraged pilgrims to dive into spiritual essence of journey to Lord Shiva's abode,while engaging with local culture. "By supporting and promoting local products,we can ensure that the pilgrimage becomes not only profound spiritual experience but also a meaningful celebration of the local economy, culture,and heritage," Sinha added.
Sinha told senior officials to ensure proper registration and ground assistance for devotees. He noted,"The yatra is a matter of immense pride for us and is deeply intertwined with the aspirations and spiritual consciousness of our nation," adding it showcases India's civilizational heritage and soft power.
Amarnath yatra,known for its stunning location at nearly 3,888 meters altitude,remains beloved tradition for millions. It symbolizes deep faith and community ties.
