Srinagar, June 29 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha prayed for peace, prosperity, health and well-being of all during the Shri Amarnath ji Yatra Pratham Puja on Monday.

L-G Sinha performed the ‘Pratham Puja’ at the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, marking the ceremonial start of the annual pilgrimage.

He sought the divine blessings of Baba Barfani and prayed for the peace, prosperity, health and well-being of all.

The Lieutenant Governor extended a heartfelt invitation to all devotees of Baba Barfani, encouraging them to join the holy pilgrimage in great numbers and experience the spiritual journey.

“As the Yatra commences on July 3rd, Administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Army, Police, Security Forces, Local Community, Service Providers, Volunteers are working in complete synergy. Every stakeholder is devoted to ensuring a safe, hassle-free and a memorable pilgrimage for all pilgrims,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) organises the Pratham Puja annually at the Holy Cave on Jyeshtha Purnima. This year’s 57-day pilgrimage will formally commence on July 3rd, simultaneously via both traditional routes — the Pahalgam axis in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

The Yatra will culminate on August 28 on Raksha Bandhan.

Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; S.J.M. Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rahul Yadav, Managing Director JKPDCL and Nodal Officer for Baltal Axis; V.K. Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Rajiv Om Prakash, DIG CKR; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal; Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag; Shreya Singhal, Director Information; and other senior officials were also present during the Pratham Puja.

Tight security arrangements have been made for this year’s yatra.

“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!” L-G Sinha said.

–IANS

sq/dpb