Amarnath Yatra Kicks Off with First Puja Led by LG Manoj Sinha

Inauguration of the Amarnath Yatra

The much-anticipated Amarnath Yatra officially began today, marked by the first puja held in the revered cave of Lord Shiva, aligning with the auspicious Jyeshtha Purnima. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), took part in the ceremony, praying for a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage for all devotees.

During the puja, sacred Vedic chants and shlokas were recited to invoke blessings from Baba Amarnath Ji. The rituals included land worship, Navagraha puja, stick worship, and flag hoisting, culminating in the distribution of prasad to attendees. This event is not only a display of spiritual devotion but also a celebration of communal harmony, as local communities unite to support the pilgrims.

To improve accessibility, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has launched virtual participation options for devotees, allowing online puja and prasad bookings via their official website. Additionally, live streams of the morning and evening aarti are available for those unable to attend in person.

This year, the Amarnath Yatra, cherished by millions worldwide, will last for 38 days, starting on July 3 and concluding on Raksha Bandhan, August 9. So far, around 350,000 pilgrims have registered for this year's pilgrimage to the sacred shrine situated at an elevation of 3,888 meters in the stunning Kashmir Himalayas.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha assured the public of the comprehensive security measures established for the yatra. Following a review meeting in Baltal, he highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Amarnath Shrine Board and local authorities to improve facilities for pilgrims. He stated, “There is no need to worry about anything,” emphasizing the strong arrangements made by various agencies, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Sinha warmly invited devotees to participate in large numbers, encouraging them to seek blessings for the advancement of Jammu and Kashmir and the entire nation. He expressed hope that pilgrims would undertake this sacred journey with faith and devotion, leading to a spiritually enriching experience.