Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday performed the sacred ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji, formally inaugurating the spiritual commencement of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, which is scheduled to commence on July 3.
The Lieutenant Governor, who also serves as the Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), offered prayers to Baba Barfani, seeking divine blessings for lasting peace, prosperity, harmony, good health and the well-being of the people. He also prayed for the smooth, safe and successful conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
The traditional Pratham Puja, performed every year on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima, marks the ceremonial beginning of the revered pilgrimage and symbolizes the centuries-old spiritual traditions associated with the Holy Cave Shrine.
Senior officers of the civil administration, security forces, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board officials, religious representatives and other dignitaries were present during the sacred ceremony.
The 57-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 will begin simultaneously from the twin routes of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district on July 3, and will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
The administration has put in place elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, including multi-layer security deployment, healthcare facilities, sanitation measures, disaster management systems, communication infrastructure and other essential services to facilitate lakhs of pilgrims expected to visit the Holy Cave Shrine from across the country.
Expressing confidence over the preparedness, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the coordinated efforts of the civil administration, security agencies, Shrine Board and various service providers would ensure a peaceful, secure and hassle-free pilgrimage while preserving the sanctity and spiritual significance of the annual Yatra.