Amarnath Yatra 2025: J&K L-G Manoj Sinha performs Pratham Puja at Holy Cave
Synopsis
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha performed the Pratham Puja at the Amarnath Holy Cave on 29 June, officially setting the stage for the 57-day pilgrimage opening on 3 July. With coordinated security, upgraded infrastructure, and both Pahalgam and Baltal routes operational, the administration says it is fully prepared for a safe and spiritually fulfilling Yatra culminating on Raksha Bandhan, 28 August.
Key Takeaways
J&K L-G Manoj Sinha performed the Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji on 29 June .
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra formally begins on 3 July 2025 and concludes on 28 August (Raksha Bandhan).
Pilgrimage operates via two routes: Pahalgam axis (Anantnag) and Baltal route (Ganderbal).
Army, Police, Security Forces, SASB, and local community are working 'in complete synergy', according to L-G Sinha.
Upgraded infrastructure and enhanced facilities have been put in place for this year's pilgrimage season.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday, 29 June performed the Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, ceremonially inaugurating the annual pilgrimage and praying for the peace, prosperity, health, and well-being of all devotees. The ritual, organised by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) on Jyeshtha Purnima, marks the traditional commencement of one of India's most sacred high-altitude pilgrimages.
Yatra Schedule and Routes
The 57-day pilgrimage will formally begin on 3 July, with devotees accessing the shrine simultaneously via two traditional routes — the Pahalgam axis in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The Yatra is scheduled to culminate on 28 August, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
What the Lieutenant Governor Said
L-G Sinha extended a heartfelt invitation to all devotees of Baba Barfani, urging them to participate in large numbers. He emphasised the coordinated preparation across all stakeholders. '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,' Sinha said.
He further noted: 'With significantly upgraded infrastructure, enhanced facilities and 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!'
Security and Administrative Arrangements
Tight security arrangements have been put in place for this year's Yatra. Senior officials present at the Pratham Puja included Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; S.J.M. Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and CEO of the Shrine Board; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rahul Yadav, Managing Director JKPDCL and Nodal Officer for the Baltal Axis; V.K. Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Rajiv Om Prakash, DIG CKR; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal; Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag; and Shreya Singhal, Director Information, among others.
Significance of the Pratham Puja
The Pratham Puja is an annual ritual held at the Holy Cave on Jyeshtha Purnima, preceding the formal opening of the Yatra to pilgrims. The Amarnath Cave shrine, situated at an altitude of approximately 3,888 metres in the Himalayas, draws hundreds of thousands of devotees each year. This year's edition comes with upgraded infrastructure and enhanced facilities, according to the administration, signalling a focus on pilgrim safety and comfort across both routes.
Point of View
Divisional commissioner, and multiple district collectors underscores that the Yatra is treated as a security and logistics operation of the highest order in J&K. This year's emphasis on 'significantly upgraded infrastructure' is notable given past years' challenges with overcrowding and weather-related disruptions on both axes. Whether the coordination rhetoric translates into on-ground pilgrim experience — particularly on the more arduous Pahalgam route — will be the real measure of preparedness. With the Yatra running through a politically sensitive period in the region, smooth execution carries weight well beyond the religious calendar.
NationPress
29 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Amarnath Yatra 2025 begin and end?
The Amarnath Yatra 2025 formally begins on 3 July 2025 and will conclude on 28 August 2025, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. The pilgrimage spans 57 days.
What is the Pratham Puja of the Amarnath Yatra?
The Pratham Puja is an annual ritual performed at the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji on Jyeshtha Purnima, marking the ceremonial start of the pilgrimage season before it opens to the public. It is organised by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB).
Which routes are available for the Amarnath Yatra 2025?
The Yatra operates simultaneously via two traditional routes — the Pahalgam axis in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Both routes will be open from 3 July 2025.
Who performed the Pratham Puja this year?
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha performed the Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave on 29 June 2025. Senior officials including the DGP, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, and multiple district collectors were also present.
What security arrangements are in place for Amarnath Yatra 2025?
Tight security arrangements have been made, with the Army, Police, Security Forces, SASB, local community, and volunteers working in coordination. The administration has also reported significantly upgraded infrastructure and enhanced facilities along both pilgrimage routes.
