Amarnath Yatra: Traditional fervour marks entry of pilgrims into Valley

Anantnag, Jul 2: As the first convoy of Amarnath pilgrims crossed the Navyug Tunnel into Kashmir on Tuesday, they were greeted with warmth, tradition, and celebration by locals who lined the roads to welcome them.

Residents showered flower petals, distributed sweets, and burned wild rue seeds—known locally as Izbandh—to ward off evil and offer blessings, a custom rooted in Kashmiri tradition. “We welcome the Yatris with open arms and wish them a peaceful and safe pilgrimage,” said Ghulam Hassan, an elderly resident of Qazigund. “People from across the country should come here for tourism and pilgrimage. Kashmir is absolutely safe—there is nothing to worry about.”

Ritu Balika, another local, carried a Kangri (traditional fire pot) and burned Izbandh (Harmala-wild rue) to greet the devotees. “We welcome them the way Maharajas were once welcomed. They are our guests, and we want them to feel special,” she said. “Let them come without fear—we are here to assist them.”

BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir President Ravinder Raina joined the reception at Qazigund, where senior administrative and police officials, including Kulgam Deputy Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan and SSP Sahil Sarangal, were also present.

Later, in Pahalgam—one of the main base camps of the annual pilgrimage—locals again turned out in large numbers, offering water, juice, snacks, and cold drinks to pilgrims,, Yatra Nodal Officer Rahul Yadav; Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Syed Fakhrudin Hamid and SSP Amritpal Singh, were among those who received the pilgrims.

“A special Pahalgam Alliance has been formed to ensure the comfort and care of pilgrims,” said Mushtaq Pahalgami, a local activist. “This is a message to the enemies of Kashmiriyat who want to divide us. We have always upheld the values of harmony and hospitality.” Ponny operators, cab drivers, hoteliers, tourist guides, and shopkeepers also joined the welcome effort. Renuka, 45, a first-time pilgrim from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, said she was overwhelmed by the reception. “We feel absolutely at home. The hospitality here is unmatched,” she said. “The security and arrangements made by the administration are impressive.”

Raj Kumar, a devotee from Rajasthan, echoed the sentiment. “Everyone should witness this warmth. We are here to pray for peace and prosperity. We hope Bolenath listens to our prayers.” Officials said 5,892 pilgrims left Jammu in two escorted convoys on Tuesday. Of them, 3,403 are headed to the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam, while 2,489 are bound for the Baltal base camp in Sonmarg. The 52-day Amarnath Yatra officially begins Thursday and will conclude on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. The pilgrims will trek to the sacred Amarnath cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,888 meters, either via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.