Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today performed the Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sinha urged all the devotees of Baba Barfani to visit in large numbers for the Holy Yatra and pray to Mahadev for the progress of J&K and the nation. He said Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and the Administration have improved the pilgrim facilities and Jammu Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF, CAPFs have made foolproof security arrangements. Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board has been organising Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima every year.

This year, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will commence on the 3rd of next month, simultaneously from both the routes – the Pahalgam track in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district and Baltal in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The Yatra will culminate on the 9th of August on Raksha Bandhan.

Earlier, the LG visited Baltal today and reviewed the arrangements in place for medical and healthcare at the Baltal Base Camp Hospital. He interacted with the officials and directed them to ensure the availability of adequate numbers of doctors, paramedical staff and healthcare professionals, medical equipment, medicines, oxygen cylinders and round-the-clock healthcare service for the well-being of the pilgrims.