Srinagar,June 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday performed the sacred Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, which is scheduled to commence on July 3.
The Lieutenant Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), offered prayers to Baba Barfani for peace, prosperity, harmony, good health and the well-being of the people. He also prayed for the safe, smooth and successful conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
The Pratham Puja, traditionally held on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima, signifies the formal start of the annual pilgrimage and reflects the centuries-old spiritual traditions associated with the Holy Cave Shrine.
This year’s fifty-seven-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will begin simultaneously from the twin routes of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district on July 3. The pilgrimage will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
The administration has made elaborate security, healthcare and other arrangements to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees expected to visit the Holy Cave Shrine.
