Baltal, June 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today performed the Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, marking the ceremonial commencement of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2025, which is scheduled to begin on July 3 from both Pahalgam in Anantnag and Baltal in Ganderbal, and culminate on August 9 (Raksha Bandhan).
Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor extended his greetings to devotees and urged them to visit in large numbers to seek blessings of Baba Barfani.
The Lieutenant Governor sought the blessings of Baba Amarnathji and prayed for the good health, progress, and well-being of all people.
“Har Har Mahadev! Paid my obeisance to Baba Barfani and performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. May Baba Amarnathji continue to shower his divine blessings on all of us,” read a message on X from the Office of the J&K LG, which also shared pictures of the holy Shivling while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was performing the puja.
Meanwhile, the LG emphasised that the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), J&K Administration, and all stakeholder agencies including the Army, J&K Police, CRPF, and CAPFs have made foolproof security arrangements and significantly improved pilgrim facilities to ensure a safe, smooth, and spiritually fulfilling Yatra.
“J&K Administration, Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Army, BRO, CAPFs, J&K Police and all stakeholders are working with complete devotion, dedication, collaboration and clear objectives for a hassle-free and safe pilgrimage,” the LG said, praising the efforts of civil society groups, local service providers, and the people of J&K.
“I request the devotees to come in large numbers for the yatra. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and the administration have improved the facilities for the pilgrims this year,” he said after participating in the ‘Pratham Puja’ held at the 13,000 feet (3882 m) high cave-shrine to mark the ceremonial commencement of the annual pilgrimage to one of the most revered Hindu places of worship.
Earlier in the day, LG Sinha visited the Baltal Base Camp Hospital to review medical and healthcare preparedness. He interacted with the staff and directed officials to ensure 24/7 availability of doctors and paramedics, adequate medical supplies, essential equipment, and sufficient oxygen cylinders for the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.
The Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave, traditionally organised by the Shrine Board on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima, was attended by several dignitaries, including Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava, GOC 15 Corps; Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, CEO SASB & Principal Secretary to the LG; KN Rai, Shrine Board Member; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir, along with other senior civil and security officials.
With the Yatra beginning on July 3, preparations are in full swing. The administration assures devotees of a secure, efficient, and enriching pilgrimage experience, with reinforced infrastructure, robust security, and coordinated services across all routes and camps.
“I have full faith that significant improvements to essential facilities and services will ensure this year’s pilgrimage is memorable and spiritually fulfilling for all devotees. May Baba Amarnathji keep showering his divine blessings on all of us,” LG Manoj Sinha said.
