Amarnath Yatra 2025: Registration Opens for Pilgrims Amidst Online Glitches
Registration for Amarnath Yatra Begins
Srinagar: The registration process for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra commenced on Tuesday, allowing pilgrims to sign up online via the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) website. Additionally, offline registration has started at more than 540 authorized bank branches nationwide.
The dates for this year's pilgrimage were revealed by Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, during the 48th Board meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) held at Raj Bhawan in Jammu on March 5.
The board has proposed several initiatives aimed at enhancing the facilities and services available to devotees.
This year, the 38-day pilgrimage is scheduled to commence on July 3, with two routes available: the 48-kilometer Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter, steeper 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
From July 3 to August 9, pilgrims will journey to the Amarnath cave shrine, located at an elevation of 3,888 meters in J&K's Anantnag district.
The cave is home to an ice stalagmite formation that changes with the lunar phases, which devotees believe symbolizes the divine powers of Lord Shiva.
According to legend, the 'amar katha' was a secret not meant for all, 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 he carries in his hair, and at the shores of Sheshnag lake, he left his snakes. These locations are now significant stops along the traditional Pahalgam-Cave shrine route.
Despite the precautions taken, two pigeons overheard the sacred story and gained immortality. Today, seeing pigeons at the shrine is considered a sign of good fortune.
The ice stalagmite inside the cave is regarded as 'Swayambhu,' meaning it appeared naturally and was not placed there by human hands.
In anticipation of a higher number of pilgrims for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025, the SASB has increased accommodation capacity at various centers in Jammu, Srinagar, and other areas. They are also setting up Yatri facilitation centers for e-KYC, issuing RFID cards, and enabling on-the-spot registration at several locations, including Nowgam and Katra Railway Stations.
However, many 'Yatris' who opted for online registration have voiced their frustrations regarding the process. They reported that while they can choose their route—either Pahalgam or Baltal—on the SASB portal, they are unable to select their desired date for the Yatra. SASB officials have acknowledged the issue and are working to resolve the glitch, which they attribute to heavy traffic on the website.