Thu Jul 03 01:57:31 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on July 3, 2025, with pilgrims departing from base camps in Baltal and Nunwan towards the Amarnath cave shrine. The first batch of 5,892 pilgrims was flagged off from Jammu the previous day and received a warm welcome upon arrival in Kashmir. Tight security measures, including a heavy security personnel presence and aerial surveillance, are in place for the 38-day pilgrimage, which concludes on August 9. The yatra is an important Hindu pilgrimage to a cave shrine in the Himalayas, housing a naturally formed ice lingam.
**News Article:**
**Amarnath Yatra 2025 Begins Amid Tight Security**
**Srinagar – July 3, 2025** – The annual Amarnath Yatra officially commenced today, July 3, 2025, with the first groups of pilgrims embarking on their journey from the base camps in Baltal and Nunwan towards the revered cave shrine nestled in the south Kashmir Himalayas. The 3,880-meter-high shrine houses a naturally formed ice-lingam, a symbol of Lord Shiva.
Pilgrims departed early this morning via the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route and the shorter 14-km Baltal route, chanting “bum bum bole” as they were flagged off by senior officials. On Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the initial contingent of 5,892 yatris from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. The pilgrims received a warm welcome from local residents and administrators upon arriving in the Kashmir Valley.
Security measures are heavily in force to ensure the safe and peaceful completion of the 38-day pilgrimage. Thousands of security personnel from various forces, including the police, Central Reserve Police Force, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police, have been deployed. Aerial surveillance will also be conducted. The yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 9.
First Piper 