J&K:First Amarnath yatra pilgrims batch greeted at Chanderkotegar

The first batch of Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrims travelling via the Baltal route was accorded a warm reception at the Chanderkote Langar site in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district on Thursday, as authorities and volunteers geared up for the annual pilgrimage.
According to media reports,the pilgrims were welcomed by the Ramban district administration, security personnel, civil society members and various Langar organisations, reflecting the region's tradition of hospitality and coordinated efforts to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.Senior officials, including DIG DKR Range Sargun Shukla, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan and SSP Arun Gupta, were present at the reception.Chanderkote, located on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, serves as the first major halt for pilgrims after the Yatra convoys are flagged off from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu.

#WATCH | Ramban, J&K | The first batch of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims bound for the Baltal route received a warm welcome at Chanderkote on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway from the District Administration Ramban, members of civil society, and various Langar organisations. pic.twitter.com/jjGAzv2M7j

— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2026

According to district administration said extensive arrangements have been made in coordination with the police, Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Traffic Police, Health Department, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services and other agencies to ensure smooth movement, security and essential services for devotees.The 57-day Shri Amarnath Yatra will officially begin on July 3 from both the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The pilgrimage will conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan, with thousands of devotees expected to visit the holy cave shrine housing the naturally formed ice Shivling revered as a symbol of Lord Shiva.