Amarnath Yatra 2026: First Batch of Pilgrims Flagged Off From Baltal Base Camp
GANDERBAL, JULY 03: The highly anticipated Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 officially commenced today as the first batch of eager pilgrims was ceremonially flagged off from the Baltal Base Camp in the Ganderbal district. Filled with profound devotion and high spirits, the camp echoed with the powerful chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” as a diverse group of devotees—including men, women, elderly citizens, and sadhus—embarked on their spiritual trek toward the Holy Cave Shrine.
The flag-off ceremony was led by a team of high-ranking officials, including Rahul Yadav (Managing Director of J&K Power Development Corporation and Nodal Officer for the Baltal Axis), Jatin Kishore (Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal), Maqsood-ul-Zaman (Deputy Inspector General of Police, Armed Kashmir), and Sudhanshu Dhama (Senior Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal), alongside several other representatives from the civil and police administrations. While sending off the initial batch, the officials extended their warmest wishes to the devotees, praying for a safe, peaceful, and deeply enriching pilgrimage. The launch of this annual yatra underscores the massive, coordinated efforts undertaken by the administration and various stakeholder departments to ensure a secure, seamless, and memorable experience for thousands of pilgrims nationwide.