Calls for cleanliness, safety, local purchases
Pamphlets distributed at Nunwan, Baltal
Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra to adopt five pledges during the annual pilgrimage, calling on them to maintain cleanliness, prioritise safety, support local livelihoods, protect the environment and contribute to nation-building.
The Prime Minister’s special message was distributed among pilgrims by the Jammu and Kashmir Administration at the Nunwan and Baltal base camps on the opening day of the Yatra.
Describing the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra as an enduring symbol of India’s rich spiritual heritage, cultural unity and selfless service, the Prime Minister said participating in the pilgrimage was a matter of great fortune and a deeply spiritual experience.
He noted that the annual Yatra, which begins with the first worship on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, brings together devotees from every corner of the country to seek the blessings of Baba Barfani.
In his message, the Prime Minister said the pilgrimage had evolved into a living expression of India’s unity in diversity, with devotees from different regions, languages and traditions joining together in faith.
He said the Yatra reflected the enduring strength of Sanatan culture and reinforced the country’s spiritual and cultural bonds.
Outlining the five pledges, the Prime Minister urged pilgrims to strictly follow cleanliness norms and help keep the Yatra routes free of litter.
He asked them to adhere to safety advisories issued by the administration, follow traffic regulations and exercise caution during adverse weather and difficult terrain.
Encouraging support for the local economy, he appealed to pilgrims to spend at least ten per cent of their pilgrimage expenditure on locally made products under the “Vocal for Local” initiative to strengthen the livelihoods of families and youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also called upon devotees to promote environmental conservation by gifting a sapling to their brothers or sisters on Raksha Bandhan under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign at the conclusion of the Yatra. The fifth pledge urged pilgrims to uphold the spirit of “Nation First” by performing their duties with sincerity and contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
The Prime Minister commended the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and the Jammu and Kashmir Government for the arrangements made for the annual pilgrimage. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police, disaster response agencies, healthcare professionals, administrative officials, sanitation workers and thousands of personnel engaged in ensuring the safe and smooth conduct of the Yatra.
He expressed special appreciation for the hospitality extended by the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the voluntary service rendered by local residents and organisations operating community kitchens and service camps along the pilgrimage routes, describing the tradition as a reflection of India’s civilisational values and the ideal of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”.
Expressing confidence that the 2026 Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra would be a celebration of faith, national unity and selfless service, the Prime Minister prayed for the blessings of Baba Amarnath on all devotees and wished them a safe, peaceful and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
According to the administration, pilgrims warmly welcomed the Prime Minister’s message and said it further strengthened their spiritual resolve and enthusiasm for undertaking the sacred pilgrimage.
