Registration Opens for Amarnath Yatra 2025 as Pilgrims Line Up at 540 Bank Branches
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Synopsis
The Amarnath Yatra 2025 registration has started, allowing pilgrims to register online and offline at over 540 bank branches. The pilgrimage will run from July 3 to August 9, with enhanced facilities for devotees.
Key Takeaways
- Registration for Amarnath Yatra begins on April 15.
- Online and offline registration available at 540 bank branches.
- Pilgrimage dates: July 3 to August 9, 2025.
- Two routes: Pahalgam and Baltal.
- Enhanced facilities for Yatris planned by SASB.
Srinagar, April 15 (NationPress) The registration process for Yatris embarking on the upcoming Amarnath Yatra commenced on Tuesday, allowing pilgrims to register online via the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) website. Additionally, offline registrations have kicked off at more than 540 authorized bank branches nationwide.
The pilgrimage dates were revealed by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, on March 5 during the 48th Board meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) held at Raj Bhawan in Jammu.
The board has proposed several measures and initiatives to further enhance the facilities and services for the devotees.
This 38-day pilgrimage is scheduled to commence on July 3, utilizing two routes: the 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district, which, while shorter, is steeper.
From July 3 to August 9, devotees will journey to the Himalayan cave shrine of Amarnath, located at an altitude of 3888 metres above sea level in J&K’s Anantnag district.
The cave shrine contains an ice stalagmite structure that waxes and wanes with the moon's phases. Devotees believe that this structure represents the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.
According to legend, the 'amar katha' was not intended for everyone, prompting Shiva and Parvati to travel to this secluded cave. During their journey, Lord Shiva left his mount, the bull Nandi, at Pahalgam.
At Chandanwari, he released the Moon, which resides in his hair. Near the Sheshnag lake, he left behind his snakes. Today, these sites are significant stops on the traditional Pahalgam-Cave shrine route.
Despite these precautions, two pigeons overheard the tale and achieved immortality. Today, the sighting of pigeons at the shrine is regarded as auspicious.
The ice stalagmite structure within the cave shrine is deemed Swayambhu, signifying that it manifested naturally and was not placed there by human hands.
In anticipation of increased pilgrim turnout for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025, the SASB has expanded lodging capacity at centers in Jammu, Srinagar, and other locations. They are operationalizing Yatri facilitation centres for e-KYC, issuing RFID cards, and providing on-spot registration for pilgrims at various sites, including Nowgam and Katra Railway Stations.
Meanwhile, 'Yatris' using online registration at various centers have voiced their concerns about the process, stating that while they can select their route, either Pahalgam or Baltal, they are unable to choose their date for the Yatra. SASB officials have indicated they are working to resolve the website glitch, which may have arisen from high traffic.
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