Srinagar, June 29 (IANS) The traditional ‘Pratham Puja’ marking the ceremonial start of the annual Shri Amarnath ji Yatra was held inside the holy cave shrine on Monday as Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha joined the religious event.

L-G Sinha said on X, “Har Har Mahadev! Truly blessed to perform the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, marking the ceremonial start of the annual pilgrimage.”

“Prayed to Baba Barfani for peace, prosperity, health and well-being of all,” he said.

He said that as the Yatra commences on July 3rd, the Administration, Shrine Board, Army, police, other security forces, local community, service providers, and volunteers were working in complete synergy.

“Every stakeholder is devoted to ensuring a safe, hassle-free and a memorable pilgrimage for all pilgrims. With significantly upgraded infrastructure, enhanced facilities & invaluable support of people of Jammu Kashmir, we are fully prepared to welcome the devotees for a spiritually fulfilling journey. May Baba Amarnath Ji bless us all!” the L-G wrote on X.

The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 (SANJY-2026) begins on July 3 and ends on August 28 after 57 days, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

The cave shrine, situated 3880 ft above sea level, is in the Kashmir Himalayas in Anantnag district.

Yatris use either the longer traditional Pahalgam base camp route or the shorter Baltal base camp route. Those using the Pahalgam route reach the cave shrine after four days, while those using the Baltal base camp route return to the base camp the same day after having ‘darshan’ inside the cave shrine.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

Since the route beyond the two base camps to the cave shrine has been declared as a ‘no-fly zone’, no helicopters are available for the devotees during this year’s Yatra.

–IANS

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