As the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra commenced on July 3, a wave of devotion and hospitality continues at Baltal base camp in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. In a heartwarming gesture, locals from various areas of the district have set up hundreds of tents to facilitate and accommodate the influx of pilgrims heading towards the holy cave.
The tent city at Baltal, located at an altitude of around 9,500 feet, has transformed into a bustling hub of spiritual and communal activity. These makeshift shelters, erected voluntarily or commercially by local residents, serve as resting places for the yatris, many of whom travel long distances to partake in the sacred journey. Local people including functionaries from various departments have been extending warm welcome to pilgrims right from Jammu base camp en route entire stretch of yatra from both Baltal as well as Pahalgam.
Setting up tents along the pilgrimage route has become a seasonal tradition for the people of Ganderbal, offering both a source of livelihood and a symbol of interfaith harmony. From bedding and warm meals to guidance and emotional support, the locals are providing a comprehensive hospitality experience to the pilgrims.
“This is not just a business for us. It is a matter of faith and service,” said , a tent owner from Kangan. “We consider it our responsibility to help yatris complete their spiritual journey safely.”The annual Amarnath Yatra began on Thursday amid elaborate security arrangements, the people of Kashmir once again opened their hearts and homes, reflecting the age-old spirit of communal harmony and traditional hospitality the Valley is known for.
From the moment the yatris entered the Valley, they were met with scenes of warmth and generosity. At the Nayvug tunnel near Qazigund on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, groups of young volunteers—many from local civil society groups and students assembled early in the morning to offer drinking water, snacks, and heartfelt greetings. The air buzzed with a spirit of togetherness as chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” echoed alongside smiles of welcome from local Muslims.
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