‘With upgraded infrastructure, enhanced facilities, and invaluable support of people of J&K, we are fully prepared to welcome devotees for a spiritually fulfilling journey’
Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, June 29
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday performed the ceremonial Pratham Puja at the Amarnath cave shrine ahead of this year’s annual pilgrimage and invited devotees from across the country to participate in the yatra in large numbers, assuring them of comprehensive arrangements for a safe and seamless pilgrimage.
Offering prayers at the Himalayan shrine, Sinha sought blessings for peace, prosperity, good health and well-being of the people and formally marked the spiritual commencement of the annual pilgrimage, which will begin on July 3.
“As the yatra commences on July 3, the Jammu and Kashmir 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 yatris,” Sinha said.
He said significant improvements in infrastructure, yatri facilities, and logistical arrangements had strengthened the administration’s preparedness to receive devotees.
“With significantly upgraded infrastructure, enhanced facilities, and the invaluable support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, we are fully prepared to welcome devotees for a spiritually fulfilling journey,” he added.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board conducts the Pratham Puja every year on Jyeshtha Purnima to ceremonially inaugurate the annual pilgrimage.
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra will commence simultaneously on July 3 through both the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The pilgrimage will conclude on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Among those present during the ceremony were Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Special Director General of Police (Coordination) S J M Gillani, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board Mandeep K. Bhandari, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Inspector General of Police Kashmir V K Birdi, Managing Director JKPDCL and Baltal Nodal Officer Rahul Yadav, Deputy Commissioners Jatin Kishore and Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, and other senior civil and police officials.
