Opinion | Unity in the Mountains: Kashmiri Hands That Carry the Yatra Forward

Every summer, as the snow melts from the mountain trails of South Kashmir, a familiar rhythm returns to the Valley. Devotees from every corner of the country begin their journey toward the sacred Amarnath Cave. They come for faith but what they often find is something deeper friendship, warmth, and the quiet, selfless service of the Kashmiri people.
For the locals of Pahalgam, Baltal, and the winding paths in between, the Yatra isn’t just a seasonal event, it’s a shared journey. It’s about helping the elderly climb steep hills on ponies, offering a glass of water to a tired traveller, or serving a hot bowl of rajma chawal to someone far from home. These are simple acts, yes but in them lies a bond that speaks louder than any headline.
In a valley that has seen its share of tension and turmoil, the Amarnath Yatra tells a different story one that rarely makes it to TV screens. It’s the story of Ghulam bhai adjusting a saddle and calling a pilgrim dost, of Aisha and her mother stirring giant pots to feed strangers without asking for anything in return, of laborers clearing snow from dangerous trails without expecting a thank you.
1. The Pony Wallahs of Baltal:
For 55-year-old Ghulam Mohammad, the yatra is a lifeline. During the two-month pilgrimage season, he earns ₹80,000 ferrying pilgrims on his ponies from Baltal base camp to the cave shrine a steep 14-km climb.

“These pilgrims call me bhai sahab,” he says, adjusting a saddle for an elderly devotee. “Some even send gifts for my children after returning home”.
Over 5,000 pony wallahs, mostly from Sonamarg and Ganderbal, depend on the yatra for their yearly income.

2. The Langar Workers of Pahalgam:
In Chandanwari, volunteers like 28-year-old Aisha run community kitchens (“langars”) serving 5,000 meals daily. Her all-women team prepares rice, dal, and “rajma” in giant cauldrons.

“My mother taught me: serving pilgrims is like serving God,” she says, wiping sweat while stirring a pot. Last year, her team fed 3.2 lakh pilgrims, funded by local donations.

3. The Snow Clearers:
The Indian Army and local laborers work round the clock to clear snowslides on the routes. Bashir Ahmad, a 40-year-old shovel worker from Anantnag, recalls 2022’s flash floods:
“We formed human chains to rescue 200 stranded pilgrims. Hindus, Muslims all were brothers that night.”

Economic Impact: More Than Just Earnings:
The yatra pumps ₹1,200+ crore into J&K’s economy annually (JK Tourism Dept, 2023). Here’s how:
-Jobs; 25,000+ temporary jobs (tent vendors, porters, medics)
-Business Boom; Sales of saffron, handicrafts, and dried fruits spike by 300%
-Tourism Spin-off; 30% pilgrims extend trips to visit Gulmarg or Dal Lake
In Pahalgam, shopkeeper Rajesh Kumar says: “My six winter months’ earnings now come in just 45 yatra days.”

Beyond Money: The Social Alchemy:
-Medical Camps: Local doctors like Dr. Irfan volunteer at free health stations. “We treat blisters, altitude sickness even delivered a pilgrim’s baby once,” he shares.
-Cultural Exchange: Villagers invite pilgrims for weddings; some return annually like family.
-Peace Symbol: Despite tensions, zero communal incidents in 15 years (J&K Police data).

Challenges: When Nature and Politics Intervene
-Climate Risks: Melting glaciers make trails unstable. In 2023, 23 pilgrims died in landslides.
-Security Costs: ₹150 crore spent yearly on protection—a burden some locals resent.
-Short Season: With just 45–60 operational days, many demand extended durations.
Yet, hope persists. The new “Sheshnag Lake Visitor Centre”, built with local labor, promises year-round tourism opportunities
A Pilgrim’s Gratitude:
Delhi resident Vinod Sharma, 62, on his 11th yatra, tears up recalling 2014’s floods:
“A Kashmiri family sheltered 15 of us for three days. They refused money, saying ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Guests are God).”
The Road Ahead
– Co-op Societies: Let villagers collectively manage pony/camping services
– Skill Centers: Train youth as multilingual guides
– Eco-Tourism: Promote homestays for off-season income
As the evening “aarti” echoes in Pahalgam, Ghulam’s words linger: “This yatra isn’t just Shiva’s journey it’s ours too.”
In Kashmir’s mountains, faith and humanity walk hand in hand.

Writer can be reached at www.mouzin100@gmail.com