Early Times Report
Jammu, June 11: On the auspicious occasion of “Jyeshtha Purnima,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha performed the “Pratham Puja” to mark the ceremonial commencement of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. The Lieutenant Governor sought the blessings of Baba Amarnathji and prayed for the good health, progress, and well-being of all people. “Har Har Mahadev! Paid my obeisance to Baba Barfani and performed the 'Pratham Puja' at the Holy Cave, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. May Baba Amarnathji continue to shower his divine blessings on all of us,” read a message from the Office of the J&K LG, which also shared pictures of the holy Shivling while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was performing the puja. Calling on devotees to undertake the pilgrimage in large numbers, LG Sinha assured that full-proof security and improved facilities have been put in place for a smooth and safe spiritual journey. “With the support of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF, and other paramilitary forces, comprehensive security arrangements have been made,” Sinha said after the puja. The yatra, which begins on July 3 and will conclude on August 9 (Raksha Bandhan), will take place via the twin routes of Baltal and Pahalgam. Sinha noted that significant infrastructure improvements have been made by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and allied departments. “We are committed to providing a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience to every pilgrim,” he said. He also appreciated the role of civil society, service providers, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir in ensuring the success of the pilgrimage year after year. Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor conducted an on-site inspection of the Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complex of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board at the Baltal axis in Ganderbal. He reviewed the progress of the ongoing works at the site and directed officials to ensure timely completion of infrastructure projects being developed to enhance facilities for pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. At Domail, the Lieutenant Governor also interacted with members of the task force and staff of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) engaged in maintaining and improving the yatra track. He was accompanied by SJM Gillani, MD, J&K Police Housing Corporation; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and CEO of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal; and other senior officials. |