Umaisar Gull Ganie
Srinagar, Jul 2: Reflecting the spirit of communal harmony and traditional hospitality, locals and civil society members in Kashmir warmly welcomed the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.
As the 38-day pilgrimage commenced amid tight security arrangements, residents across parts of South Kashmir—especially in Qazigund, Pahalgam, and Baltal, lined the routes to greet the pilgrims with flowers, traditional Kashmiri fragrances like Izzbandh, and heartfelt smiles.
At the Nayvug tunnel near Qazigund, young volunteers gathered to offer refreshments and extend greetings to the yatris.
Mohammad Iqbal Ahanger, a local social activist, said the people of Jammu and Kashmir take pride in hosting the pilgrims. “Kashmir is known for its hospitality. We are here to welcome and protect every yatri,” he said.
Civil society member Ahamadullah Wani said, “Through our civil society, we want to send a message of brotherhood. The Amarnath pilgrims are our guests, and we are proud to host them.”
Shah Fayaz, a local volunteer from Baltal, said, “Welcoming the yatris gives us happiness. It is our tradition and part of Kashmiriyat to treat guests like family. We are here to serve.”
Abdul Ahad, an elderly resident of Kulgam who stood near the main road with a group of villagers offering juice and water, shared, “I’ve been doing this for years. Yatra is not only a religious journey; it connects people. Their blessings are our reward.”
Imtiyaz Ahmad from Srinagar, who had come with his young children to greet the yatris, said, “This is a beautiful moment of unity. We want our visitors to feel safe and loved here in our land.”
At the Shadipora base camp, Sajid Rasool was busy arranging refreshments for the new arrivals. “They’ve travelled far with devotion in their hearts. It’s our duty to welcome them with equal devotion,” he said.
The local gesture of warmth moved many of the pilgrims, who expressed surprise and gratitude for the hospitality.
Kulgam, Srinagar admin extend warm welcome
District administrations in Kulgam and Srinagar also extended a warm welcome at Nayvug Tunnel in Qazigund and in the summer capital.
Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, said, “There is joy all around. Members of civil society, trade bodies, apple growers, and the administration have come together to welcome the pilgrims. We wholeheartedly welcome all visitors to Jammu and Kashmir.”
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat visited the Navyug tunnel to take stock of the security arrangements and interacted with police personnel deployed along the Amarnath Yatra route.
Police officers, including Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Kashmir Range, Javid Iqbal Matoo, and SSP Kulgam also received the yatris in Qazigund.
Pertinently, the first batch of over 5,485 pilgrims reached the twin base camps at Pahalgam and Baltal after being flagged off from Jammu by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The Yatra will commence on July 3 from Kashmir and conclude on August 9, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
The pilgrimage is expected to attract lakhs of devotees to the sacred cave shrine situated at an altitude of 3,880 metres. (KNO)
