New Delhi, July 3 (JKNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his heartfelt greetings to devotees undertaking the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, describing the annual pilgrimage as an eternal chapter of India’s spiritual tradition and cultural unity.
He also appealed to pilgrims to adopt five pledges aimed at promoting cleanliness, safety, environmental protection, support for local livelihoods and nation-building.
In a post on X, as per news agency JKNS, Prime Minister Modi said the Amarnath Yatra is deeply connected with India’s spiritual heritage and wished that the pilgrimage remains safe, peaceful and auspicious for every devotee.
In a letter addressed to the pilgrims, the Prime Minister said participating in the holy Amarnath Yatra is a matter of great fortune for every devotee and described the darshan of Baba Barfani as a memorable and spiritually enriching experience for lakhs of Shiv devotees.
He said the pilgrimage represents India’s timeless spiritual traditions, bringing together devotees from across the country and abroad irrespective of language, region or cultural background, thereby reflecting the country’s unity in diversity.
The Prime Minister appreciated the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, the Jammu and Kashmir Government, security forces and the administration for ensuring the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage over the years.
He also lauded the dedicated services of the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, ITBP, BSF, NDRF, healthcare workers, sanitation staff, civil administration and all those engaged in facilitating the Yatra.
Highlighting the hospitality extended by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said thousands of local residents warmly welcome pilgrims every year, while devotees from different parts of the country organise langars and community services along the route, reflecting the Sanatan values of selfless service and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah.
The Prime Minister urged pilgrims to take five pledges during the Yatra, including maintaining cleanliness throughout the pilgrimage, strictly following all safety and administrative guidelines, spending at least 10 percent of their travel expenses on local products under the “Vocal for Local” initiative, gifting a sapling to siblings on Raksha Bandhan in support of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, and fulfilling their duties with dedication while contributing towards the vision of a developed India.
Expressing confidence that the pilgrimage would further strengthen faith, cultural unity and the spirit of service, Modi prayed for the safety, well-being and spiritual upliftment of all devotees undertaking the sacred journey to the Holy Cave Shrine. (JKNS)
