Amarnath Yatra 2025: Army selfie point at Banihal wins pilgrim praise
Synopsis
The Indian Army's selfie point at Banihal's Lamber Yatra Camp has become an unexpected symbol of the security-pilgrim bond along the Amarnath Yatra route. With over 32,485 devotees already completing darshan in just two days since the Yatra opened on 3 July, the 2025 edition is off to a high-footfall, high-sentiment start — and security forces are at the centre of it.
Key Takeaways
The Indian Army and CRPF set up a selfie point at Lamber Yatra Camp , Banihal , Ramban district , as part of pilgrim outreach efforts.
Pilgrims, including a 15-year veteran of the Yatra, praised the initiative and said the Army's presence makes the pilgrimage feel safe and complete.
The Amarnath Yatra 2025 began on 3 July ; 32,485 pilgrims have performed darshan at the holy cave in the first two days.
20,145 yatris undertook the pilgrimage by Saturday evening , according to official data.
Weather along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes remained dry and partially cloudy, allowing smooth pilgrim movement.
The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has deployed medical facilities at Nunwan and Baltal alongside extensive security cover.
The Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have set up a dedicated selfie point at the Lamber Yatra Camp in Banihal, Ramban district, drawing warm appreciation from pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra on 5 July 2025. The initiative, part of broader outreach efforts by security forces along the Jammu-Kashmir highway corridor, has quickly become a popular stop for devotees travelling en route to the holy cave.
Pilgrims Speak Out
Several pilgrims voiced their admiration for the gesture, describing the security presence as indispensable to the pilgrimage experience. 'We can see that the Army has set up a selfie point here, which is a wonderful initiative. People are enjoying taking selfies here and expressing their support for the Army. The Amarnath Yatra feels incomplete without the Army,' one pilgrim said.
A veteran devotee who has undertaken the pilgrimage for the past 15 years echoed the sentiment. 'I always feel good here and never feel insecure because of the presence of the Army and the facilities provided for pilgrims. The selfie point set up here is a wonderful initiative, and it reminds us how much the Army does to ensure our safety. The Yatra is conducted every year with proper security arrangements and regulations,' the pilgrim said.
What the Selfie Point Represents
Officials said the installation at Lamber Yatra Camp was designed specifically as a community outreach measure — a visible, accessible way to highlight the role security forces play in enabling one of India's largest annual pilgrimages. The backdrop of the selfie point features imagery associated with both the shrine and the armed forces, reinforcing the bond between pilgrims and their protectors along the route.
Notably, this comes at a time when security deployments along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes have been significantly bolstered, with officials confirming that foolproof arrangements are in place to prevent any untoward incident throughout the pilgrimage season.
Record Footfall in Opening Days
The Shri Amarnath Yatra, which commenced on 3 July 2025, has already recorded strong turnout. According to official data, 20,145 yatris undertook the pilgrimage by Saturday evening, while a cumulative total of 32,485 pilgrims have performed 'darshan' at the holy cave since the Yatra began — all within the first two days.
Weather conditions along both the traditional Pahalgam and Baltal routes remained dry and partially cloudy, enabling smooth movement of pilgrims along the tracks. Thousands of devotees continue to stay at various transit camps, including Nunwan, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panchtarni, and Baltal.
Arrangements on the Ground
The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and the Union Territory administration have put in place extensive logistical and medical infrastructure for the pilgrimage. Medical facilities have been established at Nunwan and Baltal, complementing the security deployment across both routes.
With the Yatra set to continue over the coming weeks, authorities are expected to scale up camp capacity and security coordination as pilgrim numbers rise further.
Point of View
But its resonance among pilgrims points to something larger: the Amarnath Yatra's security apparatus has become as central to the pilgrimage experience as the shrine itself. That is both a reassurance and a reminder of the persistent threat environment in the region. With over 32,000 devotees completing darshan in just two days, the 2025 Yatra is on track for high footfall — which raises the stakes for maintaining the security infrastructure at scale. The real test will come in the peak weeks, when camp capacities are stretched and coordination between the Army, CRPF, and SASB faces its sharpest pressure.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the selfie point set up at Banihal during Amarnath Yatra 2025?
The Indian Army and CRPF have installed a dedicated selfie point at the Lamber Yatra Camp in Banihal, Ramban district, as part of outreach efforts to engage with pilgrims and highlight the security forces' role in the pilgrimage. It has become a popular stop for devotees travelling the Jammu-Kashmir highway route to the holy cave.
How many pilgrims have visited the Amarnath cave so far in 2025?
According to official data, 32,485 pilgrims have performed darshan at the Amarnath holy cave since the Yatra began on 3 July 2025. Of these, 20,145 yatris undertook the pilgrimage by Saturday evening alone.
When did the Amarnath Yatra 2025 begin?
The Amarnath Yatra 2025 commenced on 3 July 2025. Both the traditional Pahalgam and Baltal routes are operational, with weather conditions reported as dry and partially cloudy in the opening days.
What security arrangements are in place for Amarnath Yatra 2025?
Officials have confirmed foolproof security arrangements along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. The Indian Army and CRPF are deployed extensively, and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has set up medical facilities at Nunwan and Baltal, with transit camps operational at Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panchtarni, and Baltal.
Why do pilgrims say the Amarnath Yatra feels incomplete without the Army?
Pilgrims cite the constant, visible presence of the Indian Army along the entire route as the primary reason they feel safe undertaking the high-altitude pilgrimage. Several devotees, including those who have completed the Yatra multiple times over 15 years, say the security deployment is inseparable from the spiritual experience of the journey.
