The Lakhanpur Yatri Facilitation Centre today witnessed the arrival of the first batch of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatris, marking the beginning of the pilgrimage movement through Kathua. The District Administration gave the devotees a warm reception and ensured seamless facilitation, reflecting the district's preparedness for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.
Amidst devotional chants of "Bam Bam Bhole" and "Jai Baba Barfani", the pilgrims were received at Lakhanpur, the traditional gateway to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, by Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma, ADC Mahima Madan and other senior officers from the district administration.
The Lakhanpur Yatri Facilitation Centre has been fully operationalised with dedicated facilities for the pilgrims. Six RFID counters and 12 eKYC counters have been established for verification and issuance of RFID cards to registered pilgrims, and the arrangements are being closely monitored to ensure timely processing.
A cultural welcome programme was also organised at Lakhanpur by the District Information Centre Kathua, wherein cultural troupes presented devotional performances including Shiv Tandav Stotra and bhajans, adding to the festive atmosphere of the reception.
Interacting with the yatris, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma extended his greetings and assured a smooth passage for pilgrims. Dedicated help desks, medical aid, sanitation arrangements and other essential services have been put in place through coordinated efforts of various departments, with the Lakhanpur Yatri Facilitation Centre developed as a comprehensive support hub combining efficient service delivery with the traditional hospitality of Kathua.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, scheduled from 3 July to 28 August, will see devotees from across the country undertake the pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine in Anantnag district of South Kashmir. Later, the district administration formally flagged off the first batch of yatris from Lakhanpur amid devotional chants and warm wishes.
The pilgrims, accompanied by security arrangements, proceeded towards Jammu Base Camp, from where the Yatra is scheduled to commence in the early hours of 2 July.