Amarnath yatra 2026: The annual Amarnath Yatra began on Friday. Thousands of devotees have started their pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine despite rainy weather in Jammu and Kashmir. The first batch of pilgrims started their journey from the Pahalgam route amid tight security and elaborate arrangements by the administration.

At the same time, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has issued an important advisory, urging devotees to follow the registration process and travel guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth yatra.

Daily pilgrim limit must be followed

The administration said in accordance with directions issued by the Supreme Court, a maximum number of pilgrims is allowed on the yatra route each day.

Officials stressed that this limit has been fixed for safety and effective crowd management  and all pilgrims must comply with the prescribed daily quota.

Advance registration strongly advised

Authorities said advance registration for the yatra had been opened well before the pilgrimage began through designated bank branches across the country as well as online platforms. Since a large number of devotees have already completed their registration, only a limited number of Tatkal registrations are available each day.

The administration has therefore advised pilgrims not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir without a confirmed registration.

No immediate permission through Tatkal registration

Officials clarified that thousands of unregistered devotees arriving at the base camps cannot be accommodated immediately through the Tatkal registration facility. Pilgrims without prior registration will have to wait for their turn and will be permitted to undertake the yatra only according to the dates allotted by the administration. The administration also noted that several registered pilgrims have been reaching Jammu and Kashmir before the travel date mentioned on their registration slip. Officials made it clear that such pilgrims will not be allowed to begin the yatra before their scheduled date, even if they have completed the registration process.

Devotees have been requested to report only on the date allotted to them to avoid inconvenience and ensure smooth management of the pilgrimage.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has assured devotees that every registered pilgrim will get an opportunity to offer prayers at the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine.

However, officials emphasised that the pilgrimage will be conducted strictly according to the prescribed schedule and the carrying capacity of the route.

Pilgrims have also been urged to cooperate with security personnel and local authorities to help maintain law and order and ensure a safe, orderly and hassle-free Amarnath Yatra for everyone.