JAMMU, Apr 15: Registration for the annual Amarnath Yatra, a significant pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas, commenced on Wednesday. A substantial number of devotees were observed at the designated registration counters in Jammu, eager to secure their passage for the upcoming spiritual journey.
The Chenab Times has learned that the advance registration process is being facilitated through both online and offline channels, allowing pilgrims flexibility in their application. The 57-day pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 3, utilizing two distinct routes: the traditional 48-kilometer Nunwan-Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the shorter but more arduous 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The yatra will culminate on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
Pilgrims Throng Registration Counters
DGM Pankaj Kumar Verma, Head of Punjab National Bank’s Jammu Circle, informed reporters that the registration has seen a robust start, with a significant influx of pilgrims. “There is heavy rush as pilgrims are coming to get themselves registered. It has been opened in both online and offline modes,” Verma stated, highlighting the active participation of devotees.
Punjab National Bank is serving as the nodal bank for the Amarnath Yatra. The registration infrastructure extends nationwide, with 556 bank branches involved in the process, including 310 branches of Punjab National Bank. In Jammu itself, six dedicated counters have been established to manage the surge in registrations.
Devotees Express Enthusiasm
The offline registration centers, including branches of J&K Bank and PNB in Jammu, experienced long queues from the early morning hours. Devotees were observed lining up an hour before the official commencement of the registration process, underscoring their eagerness.
Yamni Sharma, a resident of Jammu, shared her motivation for arriving early. “I want to be among the first to pay obeisance at the cave shrine. That is why I came early this morning to get myself registered. This will be my second yatra,” she told reporters. Sharma, who plans to undertake the pilgrimage via the Pahalgam route with her family, expressed optimism about the improved facilities and prevailing normalcy in Kashmir, encouraging more Hindu devotees to visit.
Vinood Kumar, who traveled from Pathankot in Punjab specifically for registration at a PNB branch in Rehari Colony, indicated his long-standing devotion. “This is the 11th time he is undertaking the yatra,” he stated. “We have always paid obeisance at the cave shrine in the first batch for the last many years. This year too, we have registered for the pilgrimage. Our message to all devotees is to come and pay obeisance and seek blessings. For us, this yatra is in our annual calendar.”
Enhanced Security and Facilities
The PNB DGM further commented on the conducive environment for the yatra, noting the significant improvement in the law and order situation in Jammu and Kashmir. This enhanced security has also translated into increased support from banking institutions for the pilgrimage. “We are anticipating that the number of people will rise further. Accordingly, we are assessing how we can further simplify and ease the bank registration process,” Verma added, signaling efforts to streamline the registration for an expected larger turnout.
The offline registration network is extensive, encompassing 556 bank branches across the country. This includes significant participation from Punjab National Bank (310 branches), J&K Bank (90 branches), Yes Bank (37 branches), and SBI (99 branches), among others, according to official sources.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
