India, June 29 -- Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday performed the traditional 'Pratham Puja' at the holy Amarnath cave shrine, marking the ceremonial start of the annual pilgrimage. Organised annually by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) on Jyeshtha Purnima, the ritual signals the final countdown to the 57-day-long yatra.

Accompanied by top civil, police, and security administration officials, Sinha sought the divine blessings of Baba Barfani (Lord Shiva), praying for the peace, prosperity, health, and well-being of all. He also extended a heartfelt invitation to devotees across the country to join the spiritual journey.

"As the Yatra commences on July 3, the administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board...