Locals Await, Admin Ready

Amarnath Yatra is all set to begin. The sacred Yatra of 2025 carries a deeper significance and spiritual Journey. Besides, a holy journey, it is a massage of unity, faith and peace. This year, it holds importance beyond its spiritual journey. This annual pilgrimage, is an opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing tradition of Kashmiriyat, which upholds values of brotherhood, harmony and interfaith respect.

This year, the Yatra comes at a crucial time for Kashmir, following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack.

The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, himself performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave of the Amarnath Yatra, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual pilgrimage. He appealed to the devotees to visit in large numbers and pray for the progress of J&K. He has ensured tight security, enhanced facilities, and a smooth journey for all pilgrims. He expressed gratitude to the locals who are eagerly waiting to welcome the Yatris. This warm reception by religious organizations, civil society, the locals of Pahalgam for their role in the success of the Yatra, and above all, tourist enthusiasts, reflects a great spirit of goodwill, brotherhood, unity, and integrity.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, the Yatra is expected to be a turning point in reviving the valley’s peace and tourism once again. With lakhs of pilgrims arriving from all states across the country, local businesses, hotels, transporters, shopkeepers, and artisans will begin to engage actively. The whole of Kashmir is hopeful for an overall revival of peace, progress, and economic boost.

The facilities provided to the pilgrims are truly world-class. The proactive approach of the Lieutenant Governor’s administration has been clearly evident over the past few years, ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the Yatra. Every step has been eased to make the pilgrimage safer and more accessible.

Besides the tremendous facilities in place, this year also marks the introduction of AI-powered help desks and chatbot assistants through the SASB app and website, enabling real-time assistance for pilgrims. Integration with DigiLocker ensures that registered pilgrims can carry their RFID tags, medical certificates, and ID proofs digitally, thereby reducing paperwork and improving efficiency.

Now, the Yatra is one of the alternatives for the Kashmiri people to rebuild and continue the ethos of brotherhood. As a symbol of national integration, it is an occasion where people from every corner of India converge in the lap of the Himalayas to seek spiritual bliss.

Here from the Valley, we can send a strong message of brotherhood and peace. Kashmir has always been a land of peace and Sufi-Rishi culture, where great saints taught us love, not hate. By welcoming Yatris with open arms, we uphold that tradition and convey that Kashmir stands for peace, not violence.

To reiterate Kashmiri hospitality, we need to do more than in previous years. For centuries, Kashmiris have been known across the world for their gentleness, generosity, and hospitality. Continuing this tradition during the Yatra will strengthen our cultural identity and showcase our deep-rooted values to the world.

To make it more vibrant, locals, along with civil society groups, NGOs, hotel associations, traders, youth, and religious leaders, can start campaigning for ‘Welcome Yatris’ as a public movement at the grassroots level. This can include displaying welcome banners, organizing community interaction programs, and launching social media campaigns that promote peace and unity.

Locals can set up welcome points offering water, snacks, and smiles. Small hospitality kiosks providing free water, snacks, and basic medical aid can be established by local volunteers and organizations along the Yatra routes. These small acts of kindness will create lasting memories for pilgrims and deepen mutual respect

Locals with all others people can join the Yatra in a spirit of shared humanity. While the Yatra is a Hindu religious event, our participation in ensuring its success, safety, and smooth operation reflects our human values. Local volunteers and youth can assist in cleaning drives, emergency response, or even helping elderly pilgrims during their trek.

Let Pahalgam shine this year. Local municipalities and communities can collaborate to decorate the main roads, maintain cleanliness, and ensure a festive, spiritual vibe. This will help restore Kashmir’s image as the ‘Crown Jewel’ of India

A smooth Yatra is not possible for the administration alone. There is an urgent need to collaborate with local stakeholders, shopkeepers, hotel owners, ponywalas, volunteers, and religious groups—to ensure timely and organized services for the pilgrims.

Locals participating in supporting the religious arrangements of the Yatra send a beautiful message: while faith may differ, humanity and spirituality unite us. This spirit of inclusivity defines the Kashmir we are proud of. A peaceful and well-supported Yatra will play a vital role in bridging trust gaps, reshaping the national discourse on Kashmir, and inviting more investment, development, and tourism in the future.

A smooth Yatra is not possible for the administration alone. There is an urgent need to collaborate with local stakeholders, shopkeepers, hotel owners, ponywalas, volunteers, and religious groups, to ensure timely and organized services for the pilgrims. Locals participating in supporting the religious arrangements of the Yatra send a beautiful message, while faith may differ, humanity and spirituality unite us. This spirit of inclusivity defines the Kashmir we are proud of. A peaceful and well-supported Yatra will play a vital role in bridging trust gaps, reshaping the national discourse on Kashmir, and inviting more investment, development, and tourism in the future.