New Delhi/ Bhopal July 3, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his greetings to devotees undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra. He prayed for a safe, secure and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage and described the sacred journey as an enduring symbol of India's spiritual tradition and cultural unity.

In a message to devotees, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Amarnath Yatra associated with the darshan of Baba Barfani is an eternal chapter of India's spiritual heritage. He said lakhs of devotees from across the country and the world undertake the pilgrimage every year with devotion and faith.

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav also greeted devotees on the commencement of the annual pilgrimage. In a post on X, he wished pilgrims a safe and successful journey and prayed for the blessings of Lord Shiva.

According to agency reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared an open letter addressed to devotees. He described participation in the pilgrimage as a matter of great privilege and said the Yatra offers an unforgettable spiritual experience to devotees of Lord Shiva.

The Prime Minister said the annual pilgrimage reflects India's unity in diversity. He noted that devotees speaking different languages and following different traditions come together with a common resolve to seek the blessings of Mahadev. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the security forces for ensuring the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. He also expressed gratitude to the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, ITBP, BSF, NDRF, doctors, healthcare workers, sanitation workers and volunteers for their dedicated service. He said local residents of Jammu and Kashmir warmly welcome pilgrims every year. Devotees from across the country also organise Bhandaras along the Yatra route. According to the Prime Minister, this spirit of selfless service reflects the values of Sanatan culture.

According to agency reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to pilgrims to observe five 'Sankalps' during this year's Yatra. The first calls upon devotees to maintain cleanliness throughout the pilgrimage. The second urges them to follow all administrative instructions, traffic rules and security guidelines. The third encourages pilgrims to support the local economy under the 'Vocal for Local' initiative by purchasing local products during the Yatra. The fourth links the conclusion of the pilgrimage with the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign by encouraging devotees to gift a sapling on Raksha Bandhan, which coincides with the final day of the Yatra. The fifth resolution focuses on nation-building. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged devotees to perform their duties throughout the year with a 'Nation First' spirit and contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister expressed confidence that this year's Amarnath Yatra would once again showcase India's spiritual traditions, cultural harmony and the enduring spirit of service. He prayed that Baba Barfani bless every devotee with happiness, good health and prosperity while making the pilgrimage safe and memorable.

According to Hindu belief, the Amarnath Yatra leads devotees to the sacred cave shrine situated at an altitude of about 3,888 metres in the Kashmir Himalayas, where a naturally formed ice Shivling is worshipped as a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Tradition holds that Lord Shiva chose the secluded cave to narrate the Amar Katha, or the secret of immortality, to Goddess Parvati. Pilgrims also associate the Yatra route with places where Shiva is believed to have left behind Nandi, the crescent moon and other divine symbols before entering the cave.