Jammu/Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today flagged off the first batch of pilgrims, as they set off to Shri Amarnath Ji Cave Shrine from Jammu base camp amidst chanting of Vedic mantras.
The Lt Governor prayed for the peace, prosperity and a safe spiritual journey for pilgrims on the occasion.
Marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage, the first batch of 4,890 Yatris was flagged off at around 4 in the morning from the Bhagwati Nagar- base camp for Kashmir Valley in a cavalcade of 176 light and heavy vehicles.
Pertinently, the annual Amarnath Ji Yatra is being organized after a gap of two years due to the Covid pandemic and extensive arrangements have been made by the UT administration for the smooth conduct of the same.
In Srinagar, the Lt Governor said that participation of civil society members and locals are inextricably woven into Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
He was speaking during a programme organized by Civil Society of Kashmir & PHDCCI to welcome Yatris, here at SKICC.
“Many generations here have assisted in this spiritual journey and Darshan of Shri Amarnath ji. Apart from having a spiritual significance, integral part of lifetime, the pilgrimage also gives J&K opportunity to showcase its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality,” he said.
He further said that there is tremendous enthusiasm among devotees and people of J&K for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra beginning tomorrow and everyone is contributing to make this sacred pilgrimage successful, he added.
For many centuries, Shri Amarnathji pilgrimage is strengthening the bond of brotherhood & social unity, besides having a greater impact on the J&K’s economy, observed the Lt Governor
“Government is making efforts to provide best possible facilities to the Yatris, however such holy occasion may not be complete without the wholehearted participation of the civil society. I have full faith that the devotees of Shri Amarnathji will return with God’s blessings and everlasting memories of warm hospitality of the 1.25 crore people of Jammu and Kashmir”, the Lt Governor said.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, speaking on the occasion, appreciated the gesture of the Civil Society members to organize a programme to welcome the pilgrims of Shri Amarnathji Yatra. He also highlighted the development taking place in the UT in terms of connectivity, tourism, livelihood generation of the locals etc.
Chairperson J&K Waqf Board, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, said that the people of Kashmir always have a strong connect with Shri Amarnath ji Yatra and considered it as their responsibility to ensure comfortable stay of the pilgrims in the valley during their yatra.
Civil Society representatives including Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya and Bashir Ahmad Rather also spoke on the occasion and assured full cooperation and support from the members of the civil society to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the yatra.
