Chhari Mubarak Journey Begins for Amarnath Cave Shrine

From Pahalgam, Mahant Deependra Giri and the accompanying procession will traverse the traditional mountain trekking route, making scheduled overnight halts at Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni. The mace is slated to reach the Holy Cave shrine on August 28 for day-long special rituals and final prayers.

The holy cave houses a naturally formed ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the lunar cycle, revered by millions of Hindu devotees worldwide as a physical manifestation of Lord Shiva.

Record Footfall and Stringent Security Infrastructure

Official administration records confirm that over 4.80 lakh pilgrims performed darshan at the high-altitude cave shrine during this year's pilgrimage season. The administration deployed extensive multi-tier security grids comprising Jammu & Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and military units across both traditional access axes—the Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal trek in North Kashmir.

Due to hawk-eyed surveillance, real-time drone tracking, and integrated checkpoint management, the 2026 yatra concluded without security incidents. However, extreme environmental factors took a toll on pilgrim health; civil administrators reported 42 natural fatalities primarily caused by high-altitude pulmonary edema, cardiac arrest, and acute oxygen depletion.

With the passage of the Chhari Mubarak processional party, civil authorities have formally suspended general civilian movement on both tracks. Track maintenance crews and disaster response units have taken over the routes following recent inclement weather and landslips to ensure safe passage for the holy mace party.