Srinagar, June 29 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday performed the ‘Pratham Puja” at the holy cave of Shri Amarnath, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual pilgrimage scheduled to commence on July 3 in the Kashmir Valley.
The 57-day pilgrimage to the Holy Cave of Lord Shiva in the mountains of south Kashmir will begin simultaneously from the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district on July 3.
It will conclude on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
The Lieutenant Governor offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people and invited devotees from across the country to participate in the pilgrimage in large numbers.
Sinha said the Jammu and Kashmir administration, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, the Army, police, security forces, local residents, service providers and volunteers were working in close coordination to ensure a safe, smooth and memorable pilgrimage for devotees.
He said significant improvements in infrastructure and pilgrim facilities, along with the support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, had strengthened preparations for the annual Yatra.
Senior civil, police and shrine board officials were present during the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the holy cave.—(NVI)
