Amarnath Yatra: J&K LG Manoj Sinha Performs Pratham Puja

On the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha performed the ceremonial ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Shri Amarnath Ji Holy Cave, symbolically marking the beginning of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. This sacred tradition signifies the spiritual opening of the 38-day long pilgrimage, which will begin on July 3, 2025, and conclude on August 9, 2025, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. Devotees from across India are expected to undertake the journey to the Himalayan cave shrine, where the naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam, revered as Baba Barfani, draws millions in devotion. In a heartfelt appeal, LG Manoj Sinha encouraged devotees to participate in large numbers and pray for the peace and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir and the entire nation. Expressing his sentiments online, he wrote, “Har Har Mahadev! May Baba Amarnathji keep showering his divine blessings on all of us.” He emphasised the collective efforts of the J&K administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board , Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation , Central Armed Police Forces , J&K Police, and civil stakeholders in ensuring a seamless, secure, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage. To enhance the pilgrim experience, the administration has introduced significant improvements to infrastructure and essential services. These include upgraded lodging facilities, expanded medical services, strengthened disaster management mechanisms, and improved track access at key locations such as Baltal, Nunwan, Sidhra, and Pantha Chowk. In keeping with modern safety and administrative practices, digital services such as e-KYC and RFID card systems have been implemented to simplify registration and ensure the safety of yatris. The yatra will proceed simultaneously via two traditional routes — the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Both routes have been fortified with logistical and medical support hubs, rest points, and emergency response setups. In light of the recent terror incident in Pahalgam, the security framework has been significantly bolstered. High-level meetings led by the Lieutenant Governor have ensured robust coordination among intelligence agencies, paramilitary forces, and local police to enforce strict SOPs and counter-terror measures, including anti-narcotics surveillance. The Pratham Puja ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including GoC 15 Corps Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava, DGP J&K Shri Nalin Prabhat, SASB Member Shri KN Rai, SASB CEO and Principal Secretary to LG Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Shri Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, and IGP Kashmir Shri VK Birdi. Their presence highlighted the administration’s comprehensive preparation and dedication to ensuring a successful pilgrimage. Pilgrims can register online through the official website of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (jksasb.nic.in) or offline at over 540 authorised bank branches across the country. All participants must carry a compulsory health certificate and RFID card to be eligible for the yatra, aligning with the broader safety measures and tracking systems put in place for their protection. With the spiritual energy of Baba Amarnath Ji, the commitment of the administration, and the support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the 2025 Yatra promises to be a journey of faith, unity, and inner awakening for every devotee.