New Delhi (Agency): The annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath shrine, located in the south Kashmir Himalayas, will be temporarily halted from August 23. This decision was made in light of reduced pilgrim flow and urgent track restoration works needed on the yatra route, according to an official spokesman.
The yatra, a spiritual journey that attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees every year, follows two main tracks. The traditional 48-kilometer Pahalgam track in Anantnag district, and the shorter 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Both these tracks will be affected by the temporary suspension.
Despite the suspension, the Chari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, will proceed via the traditional Pahalgam route, marking the culmination of the yatra on August 31, the spokesman confirmed.
Since the commencement of the 62-day yatra on July 1, over 4.4 lakh (440,000) pilgrims have paid obeisance at the shrine. The pilgrimage had seen a significant reduction in flow from July 23, coinciding with the melting of the naturally formed ice Shiv Lingam at the shrine.
Quoting Shrine Board authorities, the spokesman stated, “Due to considerable reduction in the flow of pilgrims and the urgent repairs and maintenance of the yatra tracks at vulnerable stretches being undertaken by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), movement of pilgrims on both the tracks leading to the holy cave is not advisable.”
“Hence, the yatra shall remain temporarily suspended from both routes with effect from August 23. Chari Mubarak shall proceed via the traditional Pahalgam route marking the culmination of yatra on August 31,” the spokesman further explained.
The track restoration works are necessary to maintain the safety and accessibility of the route for the pilgrims. The Border Roads Organisation, responsible for the task, has identified vulnerable stretches that require immediate attention.
Despite the announcement, the pilgrimage continues in the short term, with a fresh batch of 362 pilgrims departing in a convoy of 11 vehicles from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp on Sunday. All 362 pilgrims are heading for the Baltal base camp to undertake the yatra.
