SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a special message to devotees undertaking this year’s Amarnath Yatra, describing the annual pilgrimage as “a great blessing” and urging pilgrims to dedicate themselves to cleanliness, safety, environmental conservation, support for local livelihoods and nation-building.
In a two-page message titled “A Letter from the Hon’ble Prime Minister to the Pilgrims”, Modi greeted devotees with “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Baba Barfani”, saying the Amarnath Yatra symbolises India’s enduring spiritual heritage and cultural unity.
“Participating in the sacred Amarnath Yatra in Jammu & Kashmir is, in itself, a great blessing,” the Prime Minister wrote, adding that devotees from across the country eagerly await the opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage every year.
Describing the Yatra as an enduring chapter in India’s spiritual tradition, Modi said it reflects the country’s unity in diversity as people from different states, languages and traditions come together in their shared devotion to Lord Shiva.
“People from different states, speaking different languages and following diverse traditions, complete this journey united by their devotion to Mahadev,” he said.
The Prime Minister also lauded the efforts of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, the Jammu and Kashmir administration and various security agencies for ensuring the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
He commended the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, ITBP, BSF, NDRF, healthcare workers, doctors, sanitation staff, administrative officials and volunteers for their dedicated service to the pilgrims.
“This year as well, thousands of personnel are discharging this responsibility with commitment,” he said.
बाबा बर्फानी के दर्शन से जुड़ी श्री अमरनाथ यात्रा हमारी आध्यात्मिक परंपरा और सांस्कृतिक एकता का शाश्वत अध्याय है। मेरी कामना है कि शिवभक्तों की यह यात्रा हर तरह से सुरक्षित और मंगलमय हो! इस पावन अवसर पर श्रद्धालुओं के लिए पांच संकल्पों से जुड़ा मेरा यह पत्र… pic.twitter.com/6Bc2Y9tXJC
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2026
Highlighting the contribution of local communities, Modi said the hospitality of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the pilgrimage. He particularly acknowledged the services of pony operators, porters and palanquin bearers, describing their efforts as a reflection of India’s tradition of selfless service.
The Prime Minister appealed to devotees to adopt five pledges during the Yatra.
The first pledge calls upon pilgrims to maintain cleanliness and ensure the Yatra route remains free from litter.
The second urges devotees to strictly follow administrative guidelines, traffic regulations and safety advisories, particularly in view of rain, slippery terrain and harsh weather conditions.
The third pledge aligns with the Centre’s ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, encouraging pilgrims to spend at least 10 per cent of their travel budget on locally made products to support the livelihoods of families and youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Inspired by the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local,’ we will spend at least 10 per cent of our travel expenses on purchasing local products. This will strengthen the livelihoods of families and youth in Jammu & Kashmir,” the Prime Minister said.
The fourth pledge encourages participation in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign by gifting a sapling to a sibling on Raksha Bandhan, which coincides with the conclusion of this year’s pilgrimage.
The fifth pledge urges devotees to embrace the spirit of ‘Nation First’ by performing their duties with honesty throughout the year and contributing towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Expressing confidence that the pilgrimage would emerge as “a grand celebration of faith in Sanatan Dharma, India’s cultural unity and the tradition of selfless service”, Modi prayed for the safety and well-being of all devotees.
“I pray that Baba Amarnath’s infinite blessings remain with all of us. May your pilgrimage be safe, auspicious, and may it fill your lives with renewed energy, awareness and spiritual strength,” he said.
Concluding his message, the Prime Minister expressed hope that Baba Barfani would inspire every pilgrim to become more dedicated to their duties and collectively contribute to the goal of building a Viksit Bharat.
The annual Amarnath Yatra, one of Hinduism’s holiest pilgrimages, attracts lakhs of devotees every year to the naturally formed ice Shivling inside the Amarnath cave shrine in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir. This year’s pilgrimage is being conducted under multi-layered security arrangements with extensive logistical support to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims.
