The annual Amarnath Yatra will commence on 3rd July this year and conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Jammu-Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced that the yatra will span a total of 57 days. In a social media post, Mr Sinha said that the Pratham Puja, performed to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, will be held on June 29 on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima. He also said that advance registration for the pilgrimage will begin from the 15th of April through both online and offline modes. Registration facilities will be available at 554 branches of banks, including Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India and Yes Bank across the country.