Lieutenant Governor performs Pratham Puja at Amarnath holy cave to mark start of annual pilgrimage
SRINAGAR, June 29, 2026 :- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today performed the Pratham Puja at the holy cave of Shri Amarnath ji, marking the ceremonial start of the annual pilgrimage. Seeking the divine blessings of Baba Barfani, he prayed for the peace, prosperity, health, and well-being of all. He extended a heartfelt invitation to devotees across the nation, encouraging them to join the holy pilgrimage in great numbers and experience the spiritual journey.
Sinha noted that with significantly upgraded infrastructure, enhanced facilities, and the invaluable support of the people of Jammu Kashmir, the administration is fully prepared to welcome devotees for a spiritually fulfilling journey.As the yatra is set to commence on July 3, the Jammu and Kashmir administration, Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board, Indian Army, police, security forces, local community, service providers, and volunteers are working in complete synergy.
Every stakeholder remains devoted to ensuring a safe, hassle-free, and memorable experience for all pilgrims. The Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board organizes the Pratham Puja annually at the holy cave on Jyeshtha Purnima.
This year’s 57-day pilgrimage will formally begin simultaneously via both traditional routes, which include the Pahalgam axis in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district, before culminating on August 28, 2026, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Several senior officials attended the ceremony, including DGP Nalin Prabhat, Special DG Coordination PHQ SJM Gillani, and Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and CEO of the Shrine Board Mandeep K. Bhandari. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Managing Director JKPDCL and Nodal Officer for the Baltal Axis Rahul Yadav, IGP Kashmir VK Birdi, DIG CKR Rajiv Omprakashn, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, and Director Information Shreya Singhal were also present on the occasion.