Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday flagged off the first batch of devotees for the annual Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, marking the formal commencement of the spiritual pilgrimage that draws thousands of devotees each year to the shrine in the Poonch district.
Extending his warm wishes to the departing pilgrims, the Lieutenant Governor prayed for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey for all those undertaking the yatra. He expressed appreciation for the coordinated efforts of the Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnath Yatri Nyas, along with the Vishva Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, the local district administration, langar organisations and various civil society groups, whose combined arrangements have ensured smooth conduct of both the pilgrimage and the accompanying Budha Amarnath Ji Mela.
Describing the yatra as a deeply enlightening spiritual experience, Sinha said the sacred journey to Baba Budha Amarnath’s abode brings about profound personal transformation and helps devotees discover deeper truths about life. The shrine, nestled in the hills of the Poonch region, holds significant religious importance for Hindu pilgrims across Jammu and draws devotees from across the country during the annual pilgrimage season, which typically coincides with the broader religious calendar tied to the larger Amarnath tradition.
The flag off ceremony at Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas was attended by a wide cross section of dignitaries, including spiritual leaders, religious heads, public representatives, senior civil and police officers, and security officials, alongside a large number of enthusiastic devotees preparing to begin their journey. The presence of senior administration and security officials at the event underscored the priority the Jammu and Kashmir administration continues to place on ensuring safe and well organised religious pilgrimages across the union territory.
The successful conduct of pilgrimages such as the Budha Amarnath Yatra has increasingly come to be viewed by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration as part of a wider effort to strengthen religious tourism infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, alongside similar arrangements made for other major yatras in the region. Officials indicated that comprehensive security and logistical arrangements have been put in place along the pilgrimage route to ensure the safety and comfort of devotees throughout the duration of this year’s yatra.
