The first batch of pilgrims for the 2026 Amarnath Yatra received a grand welcome upon arriving in Srinagar from Jammu on Thursday morning, officials said. The batch was flagged off in the early morning hours by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu.
The first batch consisted of around 4,822 pilgrims, including men, women, children, sadhus, and sadhvis.
After the convoy entered the Valley through the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund, Kulgam district, they were welcomed by officials and locals.
Officials from the security forces, including IG CRPF and DIG South Kashmir Range Javid Iqbal Matoo, greeted the pilgrims with garlands, flower bouquets, and flower petals.
Officials from the civil administration were also present to welcome the first batch of yatris. The convoys later moved ahead on the twin tracks to the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, where they are supposed to begin their journey tomorrow to the Amarnath cave shrine.
The 57-day yatra will begin on Friday and conclude on August 28. Pilgrims can either take the longer but easier 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag or the shorter 14-km but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Also read: Amarnath Yatra: LG Sinha flags off first batch
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