Amarnath Yatra: Third batch departs from Jammu under tight security

Jammu. The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 gained full momentum on Saturday. Early Saturday morning, the third batch of pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu amidst stringent security arrangements. Meanwhile, the second batch of pilgrims commenced their trek from the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam towards the holy Amarnath Cave, situated in the South Kashmir Himalayas.

A multi-layered security setup has been implemented to ensure the safe and seamless movement of pilgrims along the yatra route. Pilgrims participating in the pilgrimage praised the security arrangements, stating that the comprehensive measures instilled in them a sense of confidence and safety throughout the journey.

To address health challenges associated with high altitude and to manage emergency situations during the pilgrimage, the Udhampur Health Department has established a robust medical system along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), specifically covering the stretch from Tikri Kali Mata Temple to the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel.

Pilgrims return after witnessing the divine Darshan of Baba Barfani

Meanwhile, the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 commenced with great enthusiasm on Friday amidst tight security along both main routes—Baltal and Pahalgam. Many pilgrims from the first batch that departed via the Baltal route returned overjoyed after witnessing the divine Darshan of Baba Barfani. A distinct glow of enthusiasm and faith was visible on the faces of the pilgrims returning from the holy cave; they expressed that the divine Darshan had brought them immense bliss.

Pilgrims reported that this year, Baba Barfani is present in the holy cave in his full form. Those who had Darshan on the very first day considered themselves extremely fortunate, noting that they had the opportunity to witness the divine form of Baba Barfani during the first Aarti and the inaugural Puja. They say that while the weather certainly posed a challenge along the route, devotion to Bholenath made every difficulty surmountable. They added that after paying their respects, every member of the group was filled with the spirit of Lord Shiva.

A profound sense of bliss upon seeing the holy Shivling: Pankaj
Pankaj Sawant, a devotee in the first batch, shared that they set out for the pilgrimage around 5:00 AM. The ascent was arduous due to heavy rain and dense fog, but through the grace of Baba Bholenath, all obstacles seemed manageable. He mentioned that when they reached the holy cave around 9:00 AM, only seven or eight devotees were present. Thanks to the sparse crowd, he had the opportunity to view the holy Shivling and meditate in peace for five to ten minutes. The scene there was magnificent, bringing a deep sense of spiritual bliss.