70,000 Devotees Perform Amarnath Yatra in First 4 Days

Srinagar, July 7: The Amarnath Yatra 2025 began on July 3, and in just four days, nearly 70,000 devotees have already completed the holy pilgrimage. On Sunday alone, over 21,500 pilgrims had ‘Darshan’ at the sacred Amarnath Cave. Another 8,605 Yatris began their journey from Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Monday, escorted by security teams toward the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps.

Many pilgrims are also reaching the Baltal and Nunwan camps directly for on-spot registration. Sadly, two pilgrims have died due to natural causes since the Yatra began. This year’s Yatra is happening under tight security, especially after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Over 180 companies of security forces including Army, CRPF, and local police are working together to ensure safety.

Despite challenges, local Kashmiri residents have shown great hospitality by welcoming pilgrims with garlands, placards, water, and cold drinks. The Amarnath Yatra will continue until August 9, ending on Raksha Bandhan. Pilgrims can take either the Pahalgam route (46 km in 4 days) or the Baltal route (14 km in one day) to reach the 3,888-meter-high cave, which holds the ice Shivling believed to represent Lord Shiva. As per legend, Lord Shiva shared the secrets of immortality with Mata Parvati in this cave, while two pigeons overheard it — and even today, people report seeing them during the Yatra.