The registration process for the Amarnath Yatra 2026 has officially begun, attracting a large number of devotees to bank branches in Jammu and several other cities across the country. Pilgrims eager to visit the sacred Himalayan shrine of Amarnath Cave Temple started lining up early in the morning as authorities opened both online and offline registration facilities for the annual pilgrimage.
According to officials, the 2026 pilgrimage will begin on July 3 and continue for 57 days, concluding on August 28, which coincides with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. The journey to the holy cave shrine is one of the most significant spiritual pilgrimages for Hindu devotees, who travel from across India to offer prayers at the naturally formed ice Shivling.
Banks designated for registration reported a heavy rush on the very first day. The nodal bank for the process, Punjab National Bank, said many pilgrims arrived well before the counters opened, hoping to secure early registration for the sacred journey. Special counters were arranged in Jammu to manage the crowd and ensure the process runs smoothly.
Officials confirmed that registration for the yatra has been made available in both online and offline modes, allowing devotees to choose the most convenient option. Across India, 556 bank branches have been authorized to handle offline registrations. These include 310 branches of Punjab National Bank, 90 branches of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, 37 branches of Yes Bank, and 99 branches of State Bank of India.
The pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave can be undertaken through two routes in Jammu and Kashmir. The traditional Nunwan–Pahalgam route in Anantnag district covers around 48 kilometres and is considered the historic path used by pilgrims for decades. The second route, from Baltal in Ganderbal district, is shorter at 14 kilometres but significantly steeper.
Many devotees expressed excitement as they completed their registration for the upcoming yatra. A resident of Jammu, Yamini Sharma, said she arrived early in the morning to secure her registration. She plans to undertake the pilgrimage with her parents and siblings through the Pahalgam route. According to her, facilities for pilgrims have improved significantly in recent years, and the overall situation in Kashmir has become more peaceful, encouraging more devotees to participate.
Another pilgrim, Vinood Kumar from Pathankot in Punjab, said this year will mark his 11th visit to the shrine. He explained that visiting the Amarnath cave has become a yearly spiritual tradition for him and his companions. Every year they try to register for the first batch of pilgrims so they can offer prayers at the shrine early in the season.
Bank officials believe the number of registrations will continue to rise steadily as the pilgrimage dates draw closer. With better security arrangements, improved infrastructure, and growing enthusiasm among devotees, authorities are expecting a strong turnout for the Amarnath Yatra in 2026.
The annual pilgrimage remains a powerful symbol of faith and devotion, drawing thousands of pilgrims to the icy cave shrine nestled high in the Himalayas. For many devotees, the journey is not only a test of physical endurance but also a deeply spiritual experience that strengthens their connection with Lord Shiva.