Srinagar, July 2 -- Amid the heavy security arrangements, the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims was greeted with heartfelt warmth by local residents as they entered Kashmir valley through the Navyug Tunnel early Tuesday morning.

From the very first bend of the highway near Qazigund, groups of men, women, and children stood holding trays of sweets, water bottles, and baskets of fruit. Some waved small Kashmiri and Indian flags, while others smiled and folded their hands in welcome. For many of the pilgrims, the reception came as a surprise.

"We wait for this time every year," said Mohammad Ashraf, a local trader from Anantnag. "These pilgrims are our guests, and in Kashmir, guests are treated like family. This is more than a traditi...