The Yatra, a cornerstone of the region’s religious tourism, is driving demand for transportation, lodging, and local services.
By Pravin Kumar
In a remarkable display of faith and resilience, over 1 lakh pilgrims have performed darshan at the sacred Amarnath cave shrine in the South Kashmir Himalayas within less than a week since the annual pilgrimage began on July 3, 2025.
The unprecedented turnout, despite the shadow of a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley on April 22 that claimed 26 lives, has sparked optimism among stakeholders for a robust revival of Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry.
With Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha personally overseeing arrangements, the Yatra is emerging as a beacon of hope, blending spiritual fervor with economic promise for the region.
A Surge of Devotion Amid Challenges
The Amarnath Yatra, a revered pilgrimage to the 3,880-meter-high cave shrine housing the naturally formed ice Shivling, has witnessed an extraordinary influx of devotees this year.
According to officials, a record-breaking 23,857 pilgrims performed darshan on Monday, July 7, pushing the cumulative count past the 1 lakh mark by early Tuesday, July 8.
This milestone, achieved in just six days, underscores the unwavering devotion of pilgrims who have braved both the arduous trek and lingering security concerns following the April tragedy.
The Yatra, which runs from July 3 to August 9, is facilitated through two routes: the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Despite the Pahalgam attack, pilgrims have expressed defiance, chanting “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” as they embark on their spiritual journey. “No matter how many attacks happen, we are not scared. The increasing number of pilgrims is a befitting reply to terrorists,” said Sarwanand Patel, a devotee from Gujarat, echoing the sentiments of many.
Robust Arrangements and Personal Oversight
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has been at the forefront of ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for the pilgrims. Flagging off the first batch of 5,892 devotees from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 2, Sinha has emphasized the administration’s commitment to safety and comfort.
“The devotees of Bholenath have defied all terror threats and are coming in large numbers for darshan,” he said, describing Jammu as a “city of divinity” transformed by the Yatra’s fervor.
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Sinha’s hands-on approach includes regular review meetings with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and ground-level officials to bolster arrangements.
Over 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered online, with additional on-the-spot registration counters at 12 locations, including Nowgam and Katra railway stations, streamlining the process.
The administration has established 106 lodgment centers across Jammu, from Lakhanpur to Banihal, accommodating over 50,000 yatris. Community kitchens (langars) run by voluntary organizations provide free meals, while sanitation facilities and weather-resistant tents ensure hygiene and protection against the unpredictable Himalayan weather.
Pilgrims have lauded these efforts. Ramesh Chander, a nine-time yatri from Punjab, said, “The arrangements are the best I’ve seen. The Army and security forces are here to guard us, and we feel safe.” A teenage pilgrim, Sunita from Uttar Pradesh, added, “The facilities—food, accommodation, sanitation—are excellent. We’re here to pray for peace and an end to terrorism in Kashmir.”
Economic Revival and Tourism Prospects
The massive pilgrim turnout is breathing new life into Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, which saw 2.36 crore tourist arrivals in 2024, an 11.4% increase from the previous year.
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The Yatra, a cornerstone of the region’s religious tourism, is driving demand for transportation, lodging, and local services. Posts on X highlight bustling markets and a surge in tourist footfall, with small businesses like street vendors and hotels reaping economic benefits.
.Industry experts are optimistic about a 5-10% increase in pilgrim inflow compared to last year’s record 5.1 lakh visitors, the highest in over a decade.
The reopening of 16 tourist destinations and infrastructure developments like the Chenab and Anji bridges are enhancing accessibility, encouraging pilgrims to extend their stays. The UT administration is exploring the development of 75 new religious sites to further bolster tourism.
