Amarnath Yatra 2026: Over 3 Lakh Pilgrims Visit Baba Barfani In 12 Days

The Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 has scripted a new chapter in the history of the annual pilgrimage, setting unprecedented records within the first few days of its commencement. In a remarkable display of faith and devotion, more than 3 lakh pilgrims have performed the darshan of Baba Barfani in just the first 12 days of the journey. This surge in numbers is being viewed as a historic milestone, as the influx of devotees continues to grow with each passing day. The atmosphere across the transit camps and the holy cave is filled with spiritual fervor, as lakhs of people gather to seek blessings from the divine. This year's pilgrimage is being hailed as historic because it has shattered all previous records of devotee footfall, demonstrating that the spirit of the devotees remains high despite various challenges.

A Historic Milestone in Pilgrimage Numbers

Even though the naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam melted earlier than expected during the initial days of the 57-day journey, the enthusiasm of the pilgrims has remained undeterred. The statistics reveal a significant 37 percent increase in the number of devotees compared to the same period in previous years. This achievement is a testament to the deep-rooted faith of the people in the sanctity of the Amarnath cave. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has noted that the record-breaking numbers are a result of improved facilities and the deep spiritual connection pilgrims feel with the site. The journey, which spans nearly two months, has seen a consistent flow of people from all corners of the country and even abroad.

Lieutenant Governor Commends Stakeholders

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has come forward to express his gratitude and appreciation for the smooth conduct of the yatra. He lauded the invaluable contributions of all officials, service providers, and volunteers who have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that their dedication and hard work have made this sacred journey smooth and memorable for every devotee of Baba Barfani. The coordinated efforts of various departments, including security forces and medical teams, have been instrumental in managing the massive crowds effectively and maintaining the sanctity of the pilgrimage.

Faith Beyond Physical Form

The ice stalagmite, revered as Baba Barfani, stood at a height of approximately 7 feet in May 2026. However, due to various factors, it melted within the first five days of the yatra. Despite the absence of the physical ice form, the spiritual energy and sanctity of the holy cave continue to draw thousands, while devotees believe that the divine presence remains eternal, regardless of the physical state of the ice formation. This belief is reflected in the consistent daily footfall, which has not dropped below 15,000 to 20,000 pilgrims at the holy cave since the yatra began 12 days ago. The three main locations—the Srinagar Yatra Transit Camp, Baltal, and the Nunwan Base Camp—are witnessing a constant flow of thousands of devotees daily.

Logistics and the 14th Batch of Pilgrims

The logistical scale of the yatra is immense, with the 14th batch of pilgrims recently departing from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu. This batch consisted of 6,251 pilgrims who headed towards the two main base camps at Baltal and Pahalgam. Specifically, 2,985 pilgrims chose the shorter Baltal route, while 3,266 opted for the traditional Pahalgam route. The convoy was massive, comprising 230 vehicles, including 137 buses, 34 Medium Motor Vehicles (MMV), and 59 Light Motor Vehicles (LMV). The diversity of the pilgrims is also noteworthy, including 4,439 men, 1,614 women, 13 children, 78 Sadhus, 53 Sadhvis, 1 Bal Sadhu, 3 transgender pilgrims, and 50 foreign male devotees.

Infrastructure and Security Measures

The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has implemented special arrangements and solid security measures to handle the record-breaking numbers. Despite concerns regarding infrastructure and the early melting of the ice, the board has remained committed to organizing the full 57-day pilgrimage without any interruptions. The advance registration numbers have already crossed the 4 lakh mark and continue to rise as more people seek to join the journey. The yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 28, 2026, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. The global reach of the pilgrimage was also highlighted by the viral video of the first Aarti of Baba Barfani, which was watched by millions worldwide at the start of the journey, further fueling the desire of devotees to visit the holy shrine.