Srinagar (IANS) | Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Saturday participated in the ‘Pratham Puja’ for the formal start of the Amarnath Yatra 2023. Sinha joined the puja through video conferencing. According to an official statement, the Lt Governor has prayed for the good health and well-being of all.
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) organizes the first puja at the holy Amarnath cave every year on the occasion of ‘Jyestha Purnima’.
The Lt Governor said that for lakhs of devotees across the world, pilgrimage to the holy cave of Baba Amarnath is a dream of life. Further said that the Government of J&K is committed to ensure that the best arrangements are made for the comfort and care of the pilgrims.
He said that dedicated efforts have been made over the years to improve the infrastructure and other facilities.
The Lt Governor said that the officials of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board are working hard to ensure that the needs of the devotees are taken care of during the yatra. We are constantly striving for better facilities and services for the pilgrims.
Sinha also acknowledged the immense contribution of the local residents for the successful conduct of the pilgrimage that begins on July 1. He said that this would also increase livelihood opportunities and give a boost to the local economy.
The Amarnath Yatra starting from July 1 will last for 62 days. The yatra will begin simultaneously from Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district in both the routes and will conclude on August 31.
The first puja rituals were attended by SASB CEO Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Shrine Board members, SASB, Army and senior officers of the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat, among others.
–IANS
