Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to devotees participating in the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra and described the pilgrimage as a "matter of great privilege." He urged pilgrims to follow five "Sankalps" or resolves during the journey. His message came on Friday as the second batch of pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu under heavy security. At the same time, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board's Yatri Niwas at Chanderkote in Ramban district welcomed pilgrims with tricolour lights, creating a festive atmosphere.

In a letter addressed to Bhagwan Shiva's devotees, the Prime Minister said, "Participating in the sacred Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir is a matter of great privilege in itself. Every year, this opportunity for a direct glimpse of Baba Barfani is a very auspicious and unforgettable experience for lakhs of Shiva devotees. On the occasion of this year's journey, I extend my heartiest wishes to all of you, the devotees of Shiva."

PM Modi called the Amarnath Yatra an important symbol of India's spiritual heritage and cultural unity. He said the pilgrimage reflects the country's long tradition of spiritual journeys. He added that lakhs of devotees from across the world who follow Sanatan culture visit Jammu and Kashmir every year to seek the blessings of Baba Amarnath. He also said people from different regions, languages and traditions complete the journey together with a shared devotion to Bhagwan Shiva.

The Prime Minister thanked all the personnel and volunteers who work throughout the Yatra to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage. He expressed gratitude to the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force (BSF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), healthcare workers, civil administration, sanitation staff and volunteers. He said, "During these two months, a wonderful manifestation of 'Unity in Diversity' of India is witnessed at the sacred abode of Baba Barfani."

PM Modi also appealed to pilgrims to adopt five important resolves during the Yatra. The first resolve focused on maintaining cleanliness throughout the pilgrimage. He said, "First Resolve: Let us follow the rules of cleanliness during the Amarnath Yatra..."

The second resolve encouraged devotees to follow every instruction issued by the administration. He said, "Second Resolve: Let us follow all orders of the administration, traffic rules, and safety directives with complete dedication." He also advised pilgrims to remain alert while travelling through the mountains, especially on slippery routes and during changing weather conditions.

The Prime Minister also promoted the Centre's "Vocal for Local" initiative. He requested pilgrims to spend at least 10 per cent of their travel budget on local products. He said this would strengthen the livelihood of families and young people in Jammu and Kashmir. He further encouraged devotees to take part in the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign by gifting a sapling after completing the pilgrimage, which will conclude on Raksha Bandhan.

In the final resolve, PM Modi asked devotees to carry the values of the pilgrimage into their everyday lives. He said, "With the sentiment of 'Nation First', let us honestly fulfil our duties throughout the year and make an active contribution toward building a 'Viksit Bharat'." He later shared the same message on social media and expressed hope that the Yatra would remain safe, peaceful and spiritually fulfilling for every devotee.

The Prime Minister's message came as the second batch of pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. Authorities provided full security to the convoy as it began its journey towards the holy cave shrine. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board's Yatri Niwas at Chanderkote in Ramban district also welcomed pilgrims with tricolour lighting.

Many devotees appreciated the arrangements made for the pilgrimage. A pilgrim from Rajasthan said, "The arrangements here are very good. I am grateful for the arrangements of the Indian government. The Yatri Niwas, illuminated with tricolour lights, is grand and full of facilities. The pilgrims are not facing any difficulty." The Ramban district administration also continued round-the-clock sanitation and cleanliness work to maintain hygienic conditions at transit camps.

A day earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of more than 4,800 pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar. The pilgrims travelled in a convoy of 259 vehicles. Sinha said, "Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a sacred path where devotion meets spiritual awakening. I wish all devotees a safe, comfortable, blissful and spiritually fulfilling journey. May this holy pilgrimage bring immense joy and divine peace to all."

The 2026 Amarnath Yatra is taking place under one of the strongest security arrangements in recent years. The Indian Army, along with the CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies, has created a technology-driven security network across both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.

Security agencies have once again deployed the Integrated Drone Detection and Interceptor System (IDDIS), which performed successfully during last year's Yatra. The system can detect and neutralise hostile drones through electronic jamming and laser-based interception.

The Army has also introduced the Low Level Lightweight Radar (LLLR) for the first time during the pilgrimage. The radar detects low-flying aerial threats, including drones, from a distance of 20 to 50 kilometres. Security forces have also positioned L-70 and ZU anti-aircraft guns at key locations for close-range air defence. Surveillance drones continue to monitor nearly 100 transit camps set up along the pilgrimage routes.

Authorities strengthened the security network after reviewing arrangements following last year's terror attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region. The enhanced deployment aims to protect one of India's largest annual religious pilgrimages.

The 2026 Shri Amarnath Yatra will continue until August 28. Devotees will reach the holy cave shrine through the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam route in Anantnag district or the shorter 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district.