Latest news with #ShriAmarnathjiShrineBoard
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Amarnath Yatra: First Prayer Held At Holy Cave; LG Manoj Sinha In Attendance
The Pratham Puja or first prayer marking the ceremonial commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra, was held on Wednesday. It is typically performed on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima to invoke Lord Shiva's blessings for a safe, smooth, and successful pilgrimage. This year Pratham Puja of Amarnath Yatra was held today on June 11, 2025, coinciding with Jyeshtha Purnima. The ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board (SASB). The Lt. Governor performed the puja, seeking blessings from Baba Amarnath ji (Lord Shiva) for the good health, progress, and well-being of all people of the globe. Puja at the Amarnath Cave Shrine ceremony involved the chanting of Vedic mantras and shlokas dedicated to Lord Shiva to invoke divine blessings for the pilgrimage's success. Additional rituals performed on the same day include Bhoomi Puja, Navagraha Puja, Chhari Puja, and Dhwajarohan, with prasad distributed among devotees afterwards. The Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board has made provisions for devotees to participate virtually through virtual puja, virtual hawan, and online prasad booking, accessible via the official SASB website Morning and evening aarti sessions are also telecast live for devotees. The Amarnath Yatra, including the Pratham Puja, is a symbol of communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir, with people from various communities, including local Muslims, assisting pilgrims in reaching the shrine. The ritual underscores the ancient traditions of the region, with the SASB ensuring that the yatra is conducted smoothly. The Pratham Puja is a cherished event for millions of devotees worldwide, for whom the pilgrimage is a lifelong aspiration. This holy cave, situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas, had a naturally formed ice lingam. The 2025 Amarnath Yatra will be of 38 days, starting on July 3, and will end on August 9 on the day of Raksha Bandhan. Around 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered themselves for this year's Yatra till now. The SASB has enhanced facilities, including infrastructure, security, medical aid, and RFID tracking for pilgrims. Pilgrims must register in advance, carry Aadhaar details for RFID cards, and obtain a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued on or after April 8, 2025. Given recent security concerns in the region, extensive arrangements, including the deployment of 581 additional security battalions are in place to ensure pilgrim safety.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Hans India
Amarnath Yatra: J&K L-G visits Baltal base camp, inspects arrangements
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday conducted the on-site inspection of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board's disaster management and Yatri Niwas complex at Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district. The LG said, 'Today conducted the on-site inspection of Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board's Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal axis in Ganderbal. Also, interacted with the taskforce and staff of BRO engaged in improving and maintaining the yatra track.' This year's Yatra to the Amarnath Cave shrine begins on July 3 and will conclude on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. The cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. Each year, devotees approach the cave shrine either through the traditional south Kashmir Pahalgam route, which takes three days to reach the cave shrine, or the shorter north Kashmir Baltal route, from where the pilgrims return to the base camp after having darshan at the cave shrine on the same day. Helicopter services are available for the Yatris at both Baltal and Pahalgam base camps. Shri Amarnath Yatra symbolises communal harmony as the local Muslims are big stakeholders in the successful conduct of the pilgrimage. As Pony Wallahs, labourers, who carry pilgrims to the cave shrine, as hoteliers, tea stall owners and guides well versed with the difficult terrain, locals are an important part of the successful completion of the Yatra. Historical records say that the Cave shrine was discovered for the first time by a Muslim shepherd belonging to the Malik family of Bot Kote village near Pahalgam town while he was grazing his flock of sheep in the area close to the cave shrine. Before the affairs of the annual Yatra were taken over by the Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board, the descendants of the shepherd would get some portion of the offerings at the shrine.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
J&K LG Manoj Sinha performs ‘pratham puja' at Amarnath cave shrine
Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday paid obeisance to Baba Barfani and performed the 'pratham puja' at the holy cave, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Amarnath Yatra. '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 keep showering his divine blessings on all of us,' Sinha posted on X. He urged devotees to turn out in large numbers and come to offer prayers at the holy shrine during the Amarnath Yatra that is scheduled from July 3 to August 9. 'I would request all devotees of Baba Barfani to visit in large numbers for the holy yatra and pray to Mahadev for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and the administration have improved the pilgrims' facilities. Jammu and Kashmir Police, the army, CRPF and paramilitary forces have made foolproof security arrangements,' Sinha said after his visit. Earlier in the day, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) performed the first puja for the Amarnath Yatra at the Tawi riverfront. The puja was organised in Jammu on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima, days ahead of the Amarnath Yatra. On Tuesday, a high-level security meeting chaired by Udhampur SSP Amod Ashok Nagpure was held to review preparations. The discussions centred on security arrangements, intelligence sharing, traffic management, medical aid, emergency response, and logistical support. Emphasis was laid on anti-narcotics operations. SSP Nagpure directed officers to conduct proactive drives to dismantle narcotic networks in the region. The Amarnath Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage to the sacred cave shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, at an altitude of 3,888 metres in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir. The cave houses a naturally formed ice Shivling and draws lakhs of devotees every year. The Yatra is typically held during the Shravan month (July to August) according to the Hindu calendar, under the supervision of the SASB and with coordinated support from security and civil administration.
India Today
29-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Amarnath Yatra 2025: Registration begins with online, offline options from July 3
The Amarnath Yatra 2025 is scheduled from July 3 to August 9, offering devotees the opportunity to undertake the sacred pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir. Registration commenced on April 14, 2025, and can be completed online via the official Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) website or offline at over 540 authorized bank branches across REGISTRATION STEPS1. Visit the SASB official website and navigate to 'Online Services.'2. Select 'Yatra Permit Registration' from the dropdown menu. 3. Carefully read and agree to the guidelines before proceeding.4. Fill in personal details, including name, preferred yatra date, Aadhaar number, and mobile number.5. Upload a passport-size photograph and a scanned copy of the Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC).6. Verify your mobile number using the OTP sent to your registered number.7. A payment link will be sent within two hours; complete the registration fee payment (approximately Rs 220).8. After successful payment, download your Yatra Registration Permit from the REGISTRATIONPilgrims opting for offline registration can do so at approved centers or specific bank branches. Typically, three days before the chosen yatra date, token slips are distributed at locations such as Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan, and Mahajan Hall. Pilgrims then proceed to Saraswati Dham the following day for official registration and a medical checkup. Additionally, RFID cards must be collected from designated locations in REQUIREMENTSadvertisementAll pilgrims are required to carry a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued by authorized medical centers. This certificate confirms the individual's fitness to undertake the high-altitude pilgrimage, assessing overall health and physical DOCUMENTSMedical Certificate: Valid CHC from authorized medical Permit: Issued upon successful Card: Mandatory for all pilgrims; used for tracking and security Card: Required for Indian nationals; NRIs must provide a Six recent passport-size photos for official Number: Valid number for official to these guidelines and preparing the necessary documents will help ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling Amarnath Yatra experience.
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Amarnath Yatra registrations surge in Chandigarh, Mohali despite Pahalgam terror attack
Written by Prisha Arora Outside the branches of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank in Chandigarh and Mohali, long queues of devotees have become a daily sight as the registration for the annual Amarnath Yatra, beginning July 3, gains momentum. Undeterred by recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), pilgrims are turning out in even greater numbers than last year, with footfall figures already surpassing previous records well ahead of schedule. At the Mohali Phase 2 branch alone, more than 550 permits have been issued in just 15 days — a milestone that had taken nearly six weeks to reach in 2023. 'Last year, from April 15 to May-end, we registered around 500 pilgrims. This year, we crossed that number in just two weeks,' said Ravinder, Assistant Branch Manager at the branch. 'By the end of May, we are confident of reaching 650–700 registrations.' The Chandigarh branch is witnessing an even higher turnout, with over 700 registrations recorded so far. 'Last year, by late April, we had processed about 300–400 applications. This time, we have already crossed 700, and we still have a month to go,' said Rouf Bhatia, banking associate. To manage the growing crowds, the Mohali branch has set up a temporary tent outside the premises and introduced a token system for pilgrims. Of the registration cost at Rs 150 per pilgrim — Rs 135 of which is collected by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the government-managed body overseeing the yatra. After taxes, the bank retains about Rs 13 per registration. Based on current numbers, the Mohali branch has collected roughly Rs 7,150, while the Chandigarh branch has collected around Rs 9,100 — totalling over Rs 16,250. Pilgrims opting for online registration pay an additional Rs 100 service fee, officials said. Security agencies, meanwhile, are adapting in response to the recent attacks. Sources said forces are planning to realign deployment, stationing troops closer to the Baisaran Valley and securing the rear of surrounding forests to curb potential terrorist movement. The reconfiguration is expected to strengthen the security grid ahead of the yatra. Despite the risks, pilgrims remain undeterred. Amit, a solo pilgrim from Mohali, said, 'I go every year. I feel safe despite everything that has happened. I have never faced any security issues.' First-time pilgrim Rajendar Singh, travelling with friends, echoed the same sentiment. 'I am not scared. The Indian Army is there to handle everything,' he said. Some, like Manjeet, a Chandigarh Police officer and regular yatri, acknowledged the dangers but said faith outweighs fear. 'Such incidents are unfortunate, but the yatra will be safe. We must carry on.' An unnamed devotee from Rohtak added, 'I am saddened by the attacks, but fear should not stop us. India was never a country that sits scared, our military is strong. I believe in our forces.' Pilgrims from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and other neighbouring regions have been thronging both branches. Officials report a cancellation rate of just 0–1 per cent, mostly due to personal changes in travel plans. With over a month to go before registrations close, officials expect record-breaking numbers this year.
