Srinagar, Jul 03 (KNO): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged devotees undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra to observe five pledges centred on cleanliness, safety, environmental protection, support for local livelihoods and nation-building, describing the pilgrimage as a symbol of India's spiritual heritage, cultural unity and selfless service.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Prime Minister's special message was distributed among pilgrims by the Jammu and Kashmir administration through pamphlets at the Nunwan and Baltal base camps on the opening day of the pilgrimage.
In his message, Modi extended his greetings and best wishes to all pilgrims, saying participation in the Shri Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir is a matter of great fortune and a deeply spiritual experience.
He noted that the annual pilgrimage, which begins with the first worship on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, attracts devotees from every corner of the country who undertake the difficult journey with unwavering faith to seek the blessings of Baba Barfani.
"The yatra has, over the years, emerged as a living expression of India's unity in diversity, bringing together people from different regions, languages and traditions with a shared resolve to worship Lord Mahadev," the PM said, adding that the pilgrimage reflects the enduring strength of Sanatan culture and reinforces the country's spiritual and cultural bonds.
Modi commended the efforts of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and the Jammu and Kashmir government for the management of the annual pilgrimage. He 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 safety, security and smooth conduct of the yatra.
The Prime Minister also praised the hospitality extended by the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the voluntary service rendered by local residents and organisations running community kitchens (langars) and service camps for pilgrims along the routes.
Describing the tradition of selfless service as a reflection of India's civilisational values and the ideal of "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah", Modi called upon devotees to make this year's pilgrimage a model of responsible citizenship and national service.
He urged every pilgrim to undertake five pledges during the yatra.
Under the first pledge, he asked devotees to maintain cleanliness by adhering to sanitation norms and helping keep the pilgrimage routes free of litter.
The second pledge called upon pilgrims to strictly follow all directions issued by the administration, comply with traffic regulations and safety advisories, remain vigilant during adverse weather conditions and take precautions against slippery terrain and cold weather.
As part of the third pledge, the Prime Minister appealed to pilgrims to support local livelihoods by spending at least 10 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.
The fourth pledge focused on environmental conservation, urging devotees to present a sapling to their brother or sister on Raksha Bandhan, the concluding day of the yatra, in support of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign.
The fifth pledge called on pilgrims to uphold the spirit of "Nation First" by performing their duties with sincerity throughout the year and contributing towards the vision of a "Viksit Bharat".
Expressing confidence that the 2026 Shri Amarnath Yatra would become a celebration of faith, national unity and selfless service, PM Modi prayed for the blessings of Baba Amarnath upon all devotees.
He wished every pilgrim a safe, peaceful and spiritually enriching journey and expressed hope that the pilgrimage would inspire renewed devotion, energy and commitment towards national development.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration distributed the Prime Minister's message in the form of pamphlets to pilgrims at both the Nunwan and Baltal base camps.
The pilgrims welcomed the Prime Minister's message and described it as a thoughtful gesture that strengthened their spiritual resolve and enthusiasm for undertaking the pilgrimage—(KNO)