Chhari Mubarak Embarks on Its Sacred Journey

Every year, the Chhari Mubarak signals the climax of the Amarnath Yatra, one of the most spiritual events for Shiva devotees. On August 4, 2025, Mahant Deependra Giri lifted the sacred mace at Srinagar's Dashnami Akhara Temple, setting the tone for a powerful procession that weaves together faith, tradition, and security challenges. The group didn’t just head straight to the mountains. Instead, they made meaningful stops at several ancient temples—Suryar Mandir, Sureshwar Mandir, the Shiva Mandir at Pampore, and Bijbehara’s centuries-old temple—where prayers echoed through halls that have witnessed history themselves.

This year, the journey felt even more inclusive. For the first time in many years, the Kashmiri Pandit community officially joined the route, sharing rituals and hope for the region’s peace and unity. Every pause at a temple saw local participation and reflected an undercurrent of healing and togetherness that felt especially moving given Kashmir's sensitive backdrop.

Tradition, Security, and an Unusual Yatra Season

The Chhari Mubarak follows an age-old trekking path, taking the difficult but revered route through Pahalgam, Chandwari, Sheshnag, and Panjtarni. This marathon trek will finally land at the snow-capped Amarnath cave shrine on August 9, lining up with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan—days already packed with spiritual meaning.

Security is one topic everyone’s talking about. An estimated 8,000+ commandos and 180 extra companies of Central Armed Police Forces have set up layers of checkpoints, after a tragic terrorist attack jolted the region back in April. Some of these officers are visible, standing armed along the dusty trails and temple steps. Others blend into the crowds, quietly working to ensure the journey stays on track. It’s impossible to ignore: safety is at the center of every decision, especially as the area has seen tensions spike leading up to this yatra season.

Pilgrims haven’t shied away. By the time this finale began, over 4.13 lakh people had already completed their darshan at the Amarnath cave. That’s despite the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board making a rare call to close the trek early due to track repairs and landslide risks—an announcement that disappointed many but underscored the unpredictable nature of mountain pilgrimages.

Mahant Giri, the face of the yatra, stood by the age-old custom: everyone who manages to reach should get their chance, at least up till Shravan Purnima. For many, the journey is not just about rituals—it’s a deeply personal promise kept, even with obstacles around every corner. All eyes are now on the days ahead, as the Chhari Mubarak and its followers negotiate final stretches, hoping their prayers—and this year’s powerful display of community—bring some light to the Himalayas.