Srinagar, June 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday performed the 'Pratham Puja' at the cave of Amarnath, marking the ceremonial start of the annual pilgrimage.

The Lieutenant Governor sought the blessings of Baba Barfani and prayed for the peace, prosperity, health and well-being of all.
The Lieutenant Governor extended a heartfelt invitation to all devotees, encouraging them to join the holy pilgrimage in great numbers and experience the spiritual journey.
“As the Yatra commences on July 3rd, administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), Army, Police, Security Forces, Local Community, Service Providers, Volunteers are working in complete synergy. Every stakeholder is devoted to ensuring a safe, hassle-free and a memorable pilgrimage for all pilgrims. With significantly upgraded infrastructure, enhanced facilities, and invaluable support of people of Jammu Kashmir, we are fully prepared to welcome devotees for a spiritually fulfilling journey,” Sinha said.
SASB organizes the Pratham Puja annually at the Cave on Jyeshtha Purnima.
This year’s 57-day pilgrimage will formally commence on July 3, simultaneously via both traditional routes- the Pahalgam axis in Anantnag district and the Baltal in Ganderbal district. The Yatra will culminate on August 28th, 2026, on Raksha Bandhan.
Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; S.J.M.Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rahul Yadav, Managing Director JKPDCL and Nodal Officer for Baltal Axis; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Rajiv Omprakashn, DIG CKR; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal; Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag; Ms Shreya Singhal, Director Information; and other senior officials were also present.