The annual Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir has been cancelled for the second consecutive year because of the Coronavirus pandemic. However, “aarti” will be facilitated online for the devotees.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha announced the decision after discussions with the shrine board.
The Yatra is scheduled to begin on June 28 and end on August 22. The pilgrimage was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The LG Manoj Sinha office said they have cancelled the Yatra in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was taken after a threadbare discussion with Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board members. However, all the traditional religious rituals shall be performed at the Holy Cave Shrine, as per past practice.
“It’s important to save people’s lives. So, it is not advisable to hold and conduct this year’s pilgrimage in the larger public interest,” said LG Sinha.
Respecting the sentiments of millions of devotees, and to keep the sentiments alive, the Board shall continue the live telecast of morning and evening Aarti from the Holy Cave Shrine.