The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, decided to increase the accidental insurance cover for Amarnath Yatris, service providers, and ‘Pujaris’ from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. This move aims to bolster safety for those involved in the annual pilgrimage. The Board also announced that the ‘Pratham Pooja’ for the 2026 pilgrimage will be conducted on June 29 on the occasion of ‘Jyeshtha Purnima’.
Lakhs of pilgrims visit the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine of Amarnath annually to worship the naturally formed ice ‘Shivlingam’. The Yatra is carried out through two routes – the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The Board approved the installation of a laser and sound show dedicated to ‘Baba Barfani’ in Srinagar and Jammu to showcase the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Union Territory.
In addition to doubling the accidental insurance cover for registered Yatris, service providers, officials, seasonal workers, and Pujaris, the Board discussed and approved welfare measures for SASB employees. Lt Governor Sinha instructed officials to identify suitable locations for installing toilet facilities along the Yatra routes and to set up sheds and rain shelters for pilgrims, service providers, and security personnel. The meeting also reviewed infrastructure projects, Yatra-related information dissemination, insurance cover for ponies, disaster preparedness, and medical facilities.
The annual Hindu pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine attracts devotees from all over the country. Local Muslim community members also play a role in facilitating the peaceful conduct of the Yatra, maintaining a tradition that spans centuries.
