SRINAGAR, JUNE 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji, marking the ceremonial commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra 2026.
Offering prayers to Baba Barfani, the Lieutenant Governor sought blessings for peace, prosperity, good health and the well-being of the people. He also invited devotees from across the country to participate in the sacred pilgrimage in large numbers.
“As the Yatra begins on July 3, the administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Army, Police, security forces, local community, service providers and volunteers are working in complete synergy to ensure a safe, hassle-free and memorable pilgrimage for all devotees,” Sinha said.
He added that with significantly upgraded infrastructure, enhanced pilgrim facilities and the support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, all arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching Yatra.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) conducts the annual Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave on Jyeshtha Purnima. This year’s 57-day Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3 via both the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district, concluding on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
Several senior civil, police and administrative officials, including DGP Nalin Prabhat, Special DG S.J.M. Gillani, CEO SASB Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, and deputy commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag, were present during the ceremony.
