SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday performed the Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave of Amarnath, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Amarnath Yatra, and invited devotees from across the country to undertake the pilgrimage, assuring them that all arrangements have been put in place for a safe and hassle-free journey.
Offering prayers at the Holy Cave, the Lieutenant Governor sought the blessings of Baba Barfani for peace, prosperity, good health and the well-being of all.
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3 simultaneously through the twin routes of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district, and conclude on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Inviting devotees to participate in large numbers, Sinha said the administration, Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), Army, police, security forces, local community, service providers and volunteers were working in close coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
“As the Yatra commences on July 3, the administration, Amarnath 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,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the Union Territory was fully prepared to welcome devotees with significantly upgraded infrastructure and enhanced facilities.
“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 said.
The Amarnath Shrine Board organises the Pratham Puja every year at the Holy Cave on Jyeshtha Purnima as a ceremonial commencement of the annual pilgrimage.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Special Director General (Coordination) SJM 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, Managing Director JKPDCL and Nodal Officer for the Baltal Axis Rahul Yadav, Inspector General of Police Kashmir VK Birdi, Deputy Inspector General, Central Kashmir Range, Rajiv Omprakash, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Director Information Shreya Singhal and other senior officials were present during the ceremony.
