PM Hails Amarnath Pilgrimage As Symbol of India’s Spiritual Heritage And National Unity

SRINAGAR: As the 57-day annual Amarnath Yatra formally commenced on Friday with thousands of devotees paying obeisance at the holy cave shrine nestled in the Kashmir Himalayas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the pilgrimage as an eternal symbol of India’s rich spiritual heritage, cultural unity and the spirit of selfless service.

In a special message distributed among pilgrims at the Pahalgam (Nunwan) and Baltal base camps by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to devotees undertaking the sacred journey, emphasising that the Yatra reflects the enduring strength of Sanatan culture and the unifying spirit of the nation.

The pilgrimage, which will conclude on August 28 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, formally began from the twin routes of Nunwan-Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district. Despite intermittent rainfall, devotees continued their journey towards the revered cave shrine. The spiritual commencement of the Yatra was marked earlier this week with the traditional ‘Pratham Puja’ performed at the cave shrine on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima.

Over the past two days, 8,687 registered pilgrims reached the twin base camps after travelling in escorted convoys from Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu under elaborate security arrangements.

In his message, the Prime Minister said that participating in the Yatra is both a matter of great fortune and a deeply transformative spiritual experience. He noted that every year devotees from across the country undertake the arduous pilgrimage with unwavering faith to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva orbBaba Barfani, making the Yatra a living example of India’s unity in diversity.

He observed that people belonging to different regions, languages and traditions come together in devotion to Lord Mahadev, reinforcing the country’s spiritual and cultural bonds.

Highlighting the collective efforts behind the successful conduct of the pilgrimage, Prime Minister commended the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and the J&K administration for their meticulous arrangements. He also acknowledged the dedicated services of the Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), J&K Police, disaster response teams, healthcare workers, sanitation personnel and administrative officials who work round the clock to ensure the safety, security and smooth conduct of the Yatra.

The Prime Minister paid special tribute to the people of J&K for their warmth and hospitality, and lauded the contributions of volunteers and organisations running community kitchens and service camps along the pilgrimage routes. Describing such efforts as a reflection of India’s civilisational ethos, he said the tradition of selfless service embodies the timeless ideal of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”.

Calling upon devotees to make the pilgrimage an example of responsible citizenship, the Prime Minister urged pilgrims to maintain cleanliness, strictly follow safety advisories, support local livelihoods by purchasing locally made products, contribute to environmental conservation through the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, and strengthen nation-building efforts in the spirit of “Nation First” and the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Expressing confidence that the Yatra would emerge as a grand celebration of faith, national unity and selfless service, the Prime Minister prayed for the blessings of Baba Amarnath upon all devotees and wished them a safe, peaceful and spiritually fulfilling journey.

Officials here said pilgrims warmly welcomed the message, describing it as a thoughtful gesture that further strengthened their faith and enthusiasm for undertaking the sacred pilgrimage.