PM Modi, Yogi, Rajnath Greet Devotees as Amarnath Yatra Begins

"Grand festival of eternal faith": Yogi Adityanath, Rajnath Singh extend warm greetings to devotees as annual Amarnath Yatra begins

New Delhi, July 3

Reflecting on the divine significance of the pilgrimage, the leaders on X highlighted the cultural and spiritual importance of the 'sacred' pilgrimage.

Yogi Adityanath, in a message to the devotees starting their journey, wrote, "The Shri Amarnath Yatra--a grand festival of Sanatan faith--begins today. Heartfelt greetings to all the devotees of Shiva embarking on this sacred pilgrimage. My prayer is that everyone receives the divine vision of Baba Barfani and that all lives are filled with happiness, peace, and well-being. Jai Baba Amarnath."

Wishing for the prosperity and protection of the pilgrims, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote, "Heartfelt best wishes to all the devotees and pilgrims of Mahadev on the commencement of the holy Shri Amarnath Yatra. May the boundless grace of Mahadev--the Lord of Lords--and Baba Barfani always remain upon you all. May this divine pilgrimage infuse your lives with happiness, peace, prosperity, good health, and renewed energy. I pray to Lord Shiva that the journey of all pilgrims be auspicious, safe, and successful. Har-Har Mahadev!"

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to devotees undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra, which begins today, describing the pilgrimage as a "great privilege" and urging pilgrims to undertake the sacred journey with devotion, discipline and a sense of national responsibility.

In a letter addressed to Lord Shiva devotees, the Prime Minister said, "Participating in the sacred Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir is a matter of great privilege in itself. Every year, this opportunity for a direct glimpse of Baba Barfani is a very auspicious and unforgettable experience for lakhs of Shiva devotees. On the occasion of this year's journey, I extend my heartiest wishes to all of you, the devotees of Shiva."

"During these two months, a wonderful manifestation of 'Unity in Diversity' of India is witnessed at the sacred abode of Baba Barfani," he said while thanking the security forces and all those ensuring the smooth conduct of the Yatra.PM Modi also urged pilgrims to adopt five "Sankalps" (resolves) during this year's Yatra.

"First Resolve: Let us follow the rules of cleanliness during the Amarnath Yatra... Second Resolve: Let us follow all orders of the administration, traffic rules, and safety directives with complete dedication," he said, urging devotees to be cautious of slippery paths and adverse weather conditions.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to all those involved in facilitating the pilgrimage, including personnel of the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, ITBP, BSF, NDRF, healthcare workers, administrative officials, sanitation workers and volunteers.

He further appealed to pilgrims to support the local economy by purchasing local products, saying, "With the spirit of 'Vocal for Local', let us spend at least 10 per cent of our travel expenses on purchasing local products. This will provide a boost to the livelihood of the families and youth of Jammu and Kashmir."

The Prime Minister also encouraged devotees to mark the conclusion of the Yatra, which coincides with Rakshabandhan, by gifting a sapling under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.

On Friday, the 57-day pilgrimage, which officially commenced, is heavily monitored using digital surveillance and RFID tracking systems to ensure crowd management and safety. The annual yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

— ANI