The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday performed the Pratham Puja at the Amarnath Cave, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Amarnath Yatra.
The Lieutenant Governor urged all the devotees to visit in large numbers for the yatra and pray to Mahadev for progress of J&K and the nation.
He said Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and Administration have improved the pilgrims facilities and Jammu Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF, CAPFs have made foolproof security arrangements.
“J&K Administration, SASB, Army, BRO, CAPFs, J&K Police and all stakeholders are working with complete devotion, dedication, collaboration and clear objectives for hassle-free and safe pilgrimage starting from 3rd July,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He lauded the invaluable contributions of people of J&K, Civil Society groups and all service providers.
“I have full faith that significant improvements to essential facilities and services will ensure this year's pilgrimage is memorable and spiritually fulfilling for all devotees. May Baba Amarnathji keep showering his divine blessings on all of us,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
SASB has been organising Pratham Puja at the cave on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima every year.
This year Amarnath Yatra will commence on 3rd July, simultaneously from both the routes – the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district and it will culminate on 9th August, 2025 on Raksha Bandhan.
GoC 15 Corps, Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava; Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; SASB Member, KN Rai; SASB CEO and Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri; IGP Kashmir, VK Birdi and other senior officials were also present at the cave.