Srinagar: To mark the ceremonial beginning of the annual Amarnath Yatra, a Puja was held at the cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas on Saturday.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha joined the “Pratham Puja” (first puja) via video conferencing.
Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has been organising ‘Pratham Puja’ at the holy cave on the auspicious occasion of ‘Jyeshtha Purnima’ every year.
“To mark the ceremonial beginning of the annual Amarnath Yatra, attended Pratham Puja via video conferencing. For millions of devotees all over the world, pilgrimage to the holy cave of Baba Amarnath is a cherished life-long dream,” Sinha tweeted.
He said the Jammu and Kashmir administration is committed to ensure that the best possible arrangements are put in place for the comfort and well-being of pilgrims.
“Dedicated efforts have been made in the last few years to bring about perceptible improvements in infrastructure and other facilities,” he said.
Sinha said officials of the SASB are working hard to ensure that the needs and requirements of devotees are taken care of during the pilgrimage.
“We are constantly striving for better facilities and services for pilgrims. The local residents are making immense contributions for the successful conduct of the Yatra that will commence from July 1. It will also increase the livelihood opportunities and boost the local economy,” he added.
The LG also acknowledged the immense contribution of the local residents to the successful conduct of the Yatra that will commence from 1st July. “It will also increase the livelihood opportunities and boost the local economy,” he added.
The 62-day long Amarnath Yatra will commence on 1st July this year, simultaneously from both the routes – the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district and it will culminate on 31st August 2023.
Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, SASB; members and senior officials of SASB, Army and LG’s Secretariat also attended the ‘Pratham Puja’.
