Srinagar, June 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday performed the ‘Pratham Puja‘ at the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, formally marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual pilgrimage scheduled to commence on July 3.
Offering prayers at the revered shrine, the Lieutenant Governor sought the blessings of Baba Barfani for peace, prosperity, good health and well-being of all. He also extended a heartfelt invitation to devotees across the country to participate in the pilgrimage in large numbers and undertake the spiritual journey.
“As the Yatra commences on July 3, the Administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Army, Police, Security Forces, local community, service providers and volunteers are working in complete synergy. Every stakeholder is devoted to ensuring a safe, hassle-free and memorable pilgrimage for all pilgrims,” Sinha said.
He said the administration was fully prepared to welcome devotees with significantly upgraded infrastructure, enhanced facilities and the support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure a spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) performs the annual Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave on Jyeshtha Purnima ahead of the pilgrimage. This year’s 57-day Yatra will begin simultaneously on July 3 through the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district, and conclude on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Special DG Coordination S.J.M. Gillani, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and SASB CEO Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag, along with other senior civil and police officials, were present on the occasion.
