Amarnath Yatra Sees Record 1.3 Lakh Pilgrims in Five Days
The ongoing Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir has set a new record, with over 1.3 lakh devotees visiting the cave shrine in the first five days of the 57-day annual pilgrimage. The shrine, located at an altitude of nearly 3,888 metres, has seen a surge in turnout this year.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also chairs the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, said, "So far, more than 1.13 lakh devotees have performed darshan at the holy cave. Our goal is to make this pilgrimage a truly memorable experience for everyone, with access to the best possible amenities. Safety, security and hassle-free darshan of Baba Barfani must remain our top priority."
Officials reported that over 20,000 pilgrims paid obeisance on Tuesday, pushing the total to 1.3 lakh—a record for the first five days. The numbers show an upward trend a year after a militant attack on tourists at Pahalgam, which killed around 26 civilians and negatively impacted turnout last year. Last year's yatra saw only 3.5 lakh pilgrims, compared to 5.12 lakh the previous year.
Mr. Sinha urged all stakeholders to work in close coordination to make this year's yatra historic and set a benchmark for spiritual tourism across the country. "Such a collective effort can create a model that inspires similar pilgrimages nationwide," he said.
He also appealed to devotees to immerse themselves in the spiritual journey while experiencing local hospitality and the richness of Jammu and Kashmir's traditional arts and crafts. "By supporting and promoting local products, we can ensure that the pilgrimage becomes not only a profound spiritual experience but also a meaningful celebration of the local economy, culture, and heritage," he added.
The Lieutenant Governor directed senior officials to ensure proper registration and assistance for devotees on the ground, emphasising that the yatra is a matter of national pride and reflects India's civilisational heritage.
