The Amarnath Yatra, one of the most important pilgrimages for Hindus, is set to begin on July 3 and will continue for 38 days, ending on August 9. The announcement was made by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB). The journey leads to the sacred Amarnath cave, located 3,880 meters high in the Kashmir mountains, where a naturally formed ice 'linga' of Lord Shiva is worshipped.

Two routes for the pilgrims

Pilgrims can take one of two routes to reach the shrine:

  • The traditional 48-km route through Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag

  • A shorter 14-km route through Baltal in Ganderbal district, which is steeper but quicker

Operation Shiva: Army’s special security plan

This year’s yatra is especially important, as it’s the first one being held after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. To prevent any threats, the Indian Army has launched ‘Operation Shiva’, which includes strict safety measures along the pilgrimage routes.

According to officials, the central government has deployed 580 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), that’s about 42,000 personnel on the ground. Out of these, 424 companies will be stationed in Jammu and Kashmir, while others will move from existing posts like those in Operation Sindoor to focus on securing the pilgrimage, the routes, and nearby areas, including Srinagar.

Security forces are on high alert to ensure the safety of the pilgrims throughout the journey.