The annual Amarnath Yatra officially commenced today with the first puja performed in the sacred cave of Lord Shiva, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who serves as the Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), participated in the ceremony, seeking blessings for a safe and successful pilgrimage for all devotees.
During the puja, traditional Vedic mantras and shlokas were chanted, invoking divine blessings from Baba Amarnath Ji. The rituals included land worship, Navagraha puja, stick worship, and flag hoisting, culminating in the distribution of prasad among attendees. This ritual is a significant cultural event, symbolizing not only spiritual devotion but also communal harmony in the region, where local communities come together to assist pilgrims.
In a bid to enhance accessibility, Shiri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has introduced virtual participation options for devotees, including online puja and prasad bookings through their official website (www.jksasb.nic.in). Live broadcasts of morning and evening aarti are also available for followers unable to attend in person.
The Amarnath Yatra, revered by millions globally, will run for 38 days this year, commencing on July 3 and concluding on Raksha Bandhan on August 9. So far, approximately 350,000 pilgrims have registered for this year’s journey to the revered shrine located at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the breathtaking Kashmir Himalayas.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha reassured the public about the extensive security measures in place for the yatra. After a review meeting in Baltal, he emphasized the collaborative efforts between the Amarnath Shrine Board and local authorities to enhance facilities for pilgrims. “There is no need to worry about anything,” he said, highlighting the robust arrangements provided by various agencies, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Sinha extended a heartiest invitation to devotees to participate in large numbers, encouraging them to seek blessings for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the entire nation. He expressed hope that pilgrims would embark on this holy journey with faith and devotion, contributing to a spiritually enriching experience.
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