The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 commenced today with the ceremonial flagging-off of the first batch of pilgrims from the Baltal Base Camp in Ganderbal district amid an atmosphere of devotion and enthusiasm.

The flag-off ceremony was led by Rahul Yadav, Managing Director, J&K Power Development Corporation and Nodal Officer for the Baltal Axis, along with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore; Deputy Inspector General of Police (Armed) Kashmir, Maqsood-ul-Zaman; Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Sudhanshu Dhama, besides officers from the Civil and Police Administration.

On the occasion, the officers extended their best wishes to the pilgrims and prayed for a safe, peaceful and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.

The Baltal Base Camp resonated with chants of "Bam Bam Bhole" and "Har Har Mahadev" as devotees including men, women, elderly pilgrims and sadhus, began their onward journey to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji.

The commencement of the Yatra marks the beginning of one of the country's most revered spiritual pilgrimages and reflects the coordinated efforts of the administration and all stakeholder departments to facilitate a secure, seamless and memorable pilgrimage experience for every devotee.