In Jammu and Kashmir, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) has announced that the first offering for the 2026 pilgrimage will be performed on June 29, 2026, on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima. Akashvani Jammu correspondent reports that during its 50th Board meeting on Thursday, the Shrine Board approved the establishment of a Laser and Sound Show dedicated to 'Baba Barfani', to be held in both Srinagar and Jammu. The show will also serve as a cultural showcase, highlighting the rich spiritual history of the Union Territory. The Board approved various key measures and interventions to further enhance the spiritual experience and convenience for pilgrims for the upcoming Yatra. The Shrine Board decided to increase the accidental insurance coverage for registered pilgrims, service providers, officials, seasonal workers, and priests from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh. The Board also discussed and approved various welfare measures for SASB employees. The meeting was chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB). The LG directed officials to identify suitable locations for installing toilet facilities along the route of the Yatra. He further directed the installation of shelters and rain shelters for pilgrims, service providers, and security personnel. The meeting also discussed ongoing projects, the dissemination of information related to the Yatra, insurance coverage for ponies, the extension of online and pre-paid services, the registration of pilgrims, disaster preparedness and mitigation measures, the provision of adequate medical care facilities, langar and volunteer services, telecommunication, grid connectivity, weather forecasting infrastructure and systems, security and surveillance, a digital pre-paid system for hiring services, the laying of crash barriers and safety railings along vulnerable stretches on both routes, and the progress achieved on various ongoing works undertaken by different departments. The formal commencement date for the annual Yatra will be finalized soon.
