By Tehelka Web Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his greetings to devotees undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra and called upon them to observe five “Sankalps” (resolves) focused on cleanliness, safety, environmental conservation, support for the local economy and national service.
His message came as the second batch of pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu under tight security arrangements. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board’s Yatri Niwas at Chanderkote in Ramban district was also illuminated in tricolour lights to mark the occasion.
In a letter to devotees of Lord Shiva, the Prime Minister described the pilgrimage as a deeply significant spiritual journey.
“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,” he said.
Calling the Yatra an enduring symbol of India’s spiritual traditions and cultural unity, Modi said, “This pilgrimage to seek the blessings of Baba Amarnath is an eternal chapter in India’s tradition of spiritual journeys. Every year, lakhs of devotees from across the world who follow Sanatan culture reach Jammu and Kashmir to participate in this pilgrimage. People coming from different regions, speaking different languages, and practising diverse traditions complete this journey with a shared resolve to seek the blessings of Mahadev.”
The Prime Minister also thanked the security forces, healthcare workers, civil administration, sanitation staff and volunteers involved in ensuring the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
He acknowledged the contributions of 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), medical personnel and other officials.
“During these two months, a wonderful manifestation of ‘Unity in Diversity’ of India is witnessed at the sacred abode of Baba Barfani,” he said.
In his message, Modi urged pilgrims to observe five key resolutions during the Yatra.
The first was maintaining cleanliness throughout the pilgrimage. “First Resolve: Let us follow the rules of cleanliness during the Amarnath Yatra…”
The second was adhering to administrative instructions, traffic regulations and safety guidelines. “Second Resolve: Let us follow all orders of the administration, traffic rules, and safety directives with complete dedication.”
He also advised devotees to exercise caution while travelling through mountainous terrain due to slippery routes and changing weather conditions.
Under the Centre’s “Vocal for Local” initiative, the Prime Minister appealed to pilgrims to support local livelihoods by purchasing regional products.
“With the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’, let us spend at least 10 percent of our travel expenses on purchasing local products. This will provide a boost to the livelihood of the families and youth of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Modi further encouraged pilgrims to participate in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign by gifting a sapling after completing the pilgrimage, which concludes on Raksha Bandhan.
Concluding his message, he urged devotees to uphold the spirit of national service even after the Yatra.
“With the sentiment of ‘Nation First’, let us honestly fulfill our duties throughout the year and make an active contribution toward building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.”
The Prime Minister later reiterated his message on social media, describing the Amarnath Yatra as an enduring symbol of India’s spiritual traditions and cultural unity, and wished all pilgrims a safe and successful journey.
