Srinagar, June 29 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday performed the ceremonial Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, marking the formal commencement of the annual pilgrimage rituals, and appealed to devotees from across the country to participate in the Yatra without fear, assuring them of comprehensive arrangements for a safe, comfortable and spiritually enriching pilgrimage.
Speaking to reporters after performing the Pratham Puja, LG Sinha, as per news agency JKNS, said the first ceremonial prayers of Baba Barfani were offered at the auspicious time and all present were blessed with the divine grace of the deity.
He appealed to devotees from across the country to undertake the sacred pilgrimage without any fear and have peaceful and comfortable darshan of Baba Barfani.
Sinha said the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, the Jammu and Kashmir Administration and the security forces have jointly made the best possible arrangements for the safety, convenience and smooth conduct of this year’s pilgrimage.
Expressing confidence over the preparations, Sinha said he believes the Amarnath Yatra 2026 will be even better, safer and more successful than last year’s pilgrimage.
As per news agency JKNS, Sinha performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, marking the ceremonial start of the annual pilgrimage. The Lieutenant Governor sought the divine 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 of Baba Barfani, 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, 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,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) organizes the Pratham Puja annually at the Holy Cave on Jyeshtha Purnima. This year’s 57-day pilgrimage will formally commence on July 3rd, 2026, 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 Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Shri Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rahul Yadav, Managing Director JKPDCL and Nodal Officer for Baltal Axis; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Rajiv Omprakashn, DIG CKR; Shri Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal; Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag; Shreya Singhal, Director Information; and other senior officials were also present. (JKNS)
