200,000 Devotees Register In Two Days; A Rush To Join The Initial Batches

Immense enthusiasm is evident among the devout devotees eager to seek the darshan (holy sight) of Baba Barfani. Within just two days by Thursday registrations for the pilgrimage have already touched the figure of nearly 200,000. According to officials, there is tremendous excitement among pilgrims across the country regarding this year’s pilgrimage. A large number of people are actively participating in the registration process.

Registration is proceeding rapidly through both online and offline channels. There is a palpable rush among devotees to secure a spot in the initial batches of the pilgrimage. The administration has stated that comprehensive arrangements are being put in place with the comfort and safety of the pilgrims in mind. All essential facilities including health check-ups, security arrangements, accommodation, and transportation are being enhanced to ensure the pilgrimage concludes smoothly.

Reports suggest that, compared to previous years, the pace of registration during the initial days is significantly faster this time around, leading to expectations that a record number of devotees will arrive during the pilgrimage season. However, a nagging worry also haunts everyone: that the Himlingam (the ice deity) might melt away amidst the rising summer heat before they get a chance to see it.

Guidelines Issued For Group Registration

The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board has released detailed guidelines regarding group registration. A special registration facility has been made available for groups comprising 5 to 30 devotees, allowing interested pilgrims to apply together. According to the Board, applications for group registration can be sent via Registered Post starting April 15, 2026, while May 20 has been designated as the final deadline for receiving applications. Registration will be conducted on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis, subject to the availability of slots corresponding to the requested date and route.

For each member of the group, a prescribed application form, a passport-sized photograph, an Aadhaar number, and contact details are mandatory requirements. Additionally, the original copy of the Compulsory Health Certificate, issued by an authorized doctor or medical institution, must also be submitted. The registration fee has been set at ₹250 per pilgrim; this fee is to be deposited online or via bank transfer only after the documents have been verified and the pilgrimage date has been allotted. There is no requirement to submit a Demand Draft along with the application.

Who Cannot Undertake The Journey?

The Board has clarified that individuals under the age of 13 or over the age of 70, as well as women who are more than six weeks pregnant, will not be eligible to undertake the journey. Furthermore, only health certificates issued after April 8, 2026, will be considered valid.

Complete E-KYC And Obtain An RFID Card

According to the Shrine Board, following group registration, pilgrims must complete the biometric E-KYC process at designated centers to obtain a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card. Without a valid RFID card, pilgrims will not be permitted to proceed beyond the entry gates at Domel-Baltal or Chandanwari. Devotees are advised to apply well in advance while adhering to all necessary documentation requirements and guidelines to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage.

Points To Keep In Mind

According to the Board, the registration of pilgrims and the issuance of Yatra Permits will be conducted on a ‘First Come, First Served’ basis. Each designated bank branch has been allocated a limited daily quota per route, within which registrations will be processed.

In the event of technical difficulties during biometric verification, an alternative provision involving webcam based photography and manual data entry has also been established.

It is also mandatory for pilgrims to provide their accurate mobile numbers and Aadhaar details at the time of registration.

The designated bank branches will issue Yatra Permits upon verifying the validity of the health certificate for a fee of ₹150 per permit. The specific pilgrimage route either Baltal or Pahalgam will be clearly endorsed on the permit, and the pilgrim will be authorized to undertake the journey only on the date specified therein.

Registration for any scheduled pilgrimage date will close 7 days prior to that date. For instance, registration for a journey scheduled for July 3rd will close on June 26th.

Registration Is Being Conducted At These Bank Branches:

Punjab National Bank, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, SBI, and Yes Bank.