Srinagar, June 11, 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha performed the ceremonial ‘Pratham Puja’ at the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine, marking the formal commencement of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. The pilgrimage is set to begin on July 3, 2025, and will conclude on August 9, 2025, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. The 38-day spiritual journey to the sacred cave, located in the Himalayas, is expected to draw lakhs of devotees to pay obeisance to the naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam, a revered symbol of Lord Shiva.
“Har Har Mahadev! Paid my obeisance to Baba Barfani and performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave. May Baba Amarnathji keep showering his divine blessings on all of us,” LG Sinha tweeted, expressing his devotion and extending an invitation to devotees across the country to participate in large numbers.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), chaired by LG Sinha, has made extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims. The Yatra will commence simultaneously from two routes: the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Over 3.31 lakh devotees have already registered for the 2025 pilgrimage, despite a recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
Enhanced facilities, including improved lodging, medical aid, and disaster management infrastructure, have been prioritized at key Yatra hubs such as Baltal, Nunwan, Sidhra, and Pantha Chowk in Srinagar. The SASB has also introduced advanced digital services, including e-KYC and RFID card issuance, to streamline registration and enhance pilgrim safety.
Security has been significantly bolstered following the Pahalgam attack, with 580 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed across Jammu and Kashmir. A high-level security review, led by SSP Udhampur Amod Ashok Nagpure, emphasized strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), intelligence sharing, and counter-narcotics measures to ensure a safe pilgrimage.
LG Sinha, during the 49th SASB Board meeting on June 7, 2025, reviewed the preparedness of all line departments, urging officials to expedite infrastructure projects and ensure hassle-free arrangements. “The J&K Administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Army, BRO, CAPFs, J&K Police, and all stakeholders are working with complete devotion to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage,” the LG’s office stated.
BJP leader Ravinder Raina also encouraged massive participation, assuring devotees of a warm welcome and foolproof security in the Kashmir Valley. “Come to Kashmir without fear,” Raina said, highlighting the region’s hospitality for Shiv devotees.
The Amarnath Yatra, one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimages, attracts thousands annually to the Amarnath Cave, where legend holds that Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati. Pilgrims can register online via the SASB website (jksasb.nic.in) or offline at over 540 authorized bank branches across India. A compulsory health certificate and RFID card are mandatory for participation.
With robust preparations and heightened security, the J&K administration aims to make the 2025 Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra a spiritually fulfilling and secure experience for all devotees.
