Amid warm welcome, first batch of yatris express enthusiasm

Srinagar, Jul 2: The first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims received a grand and emotional welcome as they entered the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday afternoon , marking the beginning of the annual 38-day spiritual journey to the revered 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir.

The atmosphere was one of celebration, devotion, and unity as officials, security personnel, political leaders, and locals came together to receive the pilgrims. Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first convoy of 5,892 pilgrims from the heavily-guarded Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. Addressing the gathering, the LG extended his best wishes to the yatris. As the yatris made their way through the Navyug Tunnel into the Valley via Qazigund in Kulgam district, they were greeted with flower showers, patriotic songs, and chants of “Bam Bam Bhole.”

South Kashmir Range DIG Javed Iqbal Matto and Kulgam Deputy Commissioner Ather Amin Khan personally welcomed the pilgrims, offering them sweets and flower bouquets. The reception continued in Anantnag and Srinagar districts where pilgrims were applauded and welcomed by enthusiastic locals, schoolchildren, and volunteers. Cultural performances were organized at a few points, and community kitchens (langars) offered refreshments.

For many pilgrims, it was their first visit to the Valley—and the warm hospitality moved them deeply. “We were a bit anxious due to security concerns, but the welcome we received here is overwhelming. The people of Kashmir have truly touched our hearts,” said Rekha Sharma, a pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh.

“This is my third yatra, but I’ve never seen such a warm reception. It feels like a festival,” said Ravi Mehta, a devotee from Gujarat, as he waved to cheering schoolchildren near Anantnag. Top police officials assured that foolproof security measures are in place. “We have mobilized forces, installed CCTV surveillance, and are conducting regular road clearance and area sanitization. The safety of every pilgrim is our top priority,” officials said .“We are working in close coordination with the Army, CRPF, and police. All facilities including health services, accommodation, and traffic regulation are being monitored round-the-clock.”

BJP J&K President Ravinder Raina was also present at the Qazigund welcome event. He garlanded the yatris and distributed sweets, hailing the occasion as “a symbol of the country’s spiritual unity and brotherhood.” “This welcome demonstrates the true spirit of Kashmiriyat. The people here have always respected all faiths, and this is yet another example,” Raina added. The convoys were split after entering the Valley—some heading toward the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal, others toward the traditional Pahalgam route via Anantnag. Both routes witnessed tight security, active volunteer services, and enthusiastic local participation.

At the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam, pilgrims were received by district officials and army personnel. Cultural programs were held, and many yatris joined local youth in devotional singing. “We are here to serve the pilgrims. It’s a matter of pride that Kashmir is hosting them with open arms,” said Feroz Ahmad, a local volunteer at Pahalgam.