Shri Amarnath Yatra 2020 cancelled due to COVID Pandemic

Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir), July 21, 2020 - Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) was left with no choice but to cancel Shri Amarnath Yatra 2020 in view of the alarming rise in the COVID pandemic cases.

SASB Board Meeting held through Video Conference at Srinagar today which was presided over by Lt. Governor J&K, Shri G.C. Murmu, who is also the Chairman of the board. SASB, while deliberating over the issue decided to cancel Shri Amarnath Yatra 2020 this time in larger interest of the safety and security of pilgrims and general public.

SASB said this would enable the health, civil and police administrations to focus on the immediate challenges facing them rather than diverting resources, manpower and attention to the conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra 2020. SASB expressed its regret to announce the cancellation of Shri Amarnath Yatra 2020.

SASB while being aware of the sentiments of millions of devotees and to keep their religious sentiments alive, the Board will continue the Live Telecast/ Virtual Darshan of the morning and evening Aarti.

Further, the traditional rituals will also be carried out as per practice. The Chhari Mubarak will be facilitated by the Government.

The Board also discussed the Supreme Court order of July 13 this year in which, the decision to conduct the Yatra was left to the administration and Government after assessing the ground realities prevailing in Jammu & Kashmir.

Due to nationwide lockdown and pandemic, State Executive Committee, J&K has kept all religious places and places of worship closed for the public and this prohibition is likely to continue till 31st July.

The spike has been particularly very sharp in July. Health workers and security forces are also getting infected and the focus of entire medical, civil and police administration at the moment is on containing the local transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board was further of the view that the health concerns are so serious that the strain on the health system, along with the diversion in resources to the Yatra, will be immense. This would also unnecessarily put the pilgrims at risk of catching the COVID-19.

In view of all these facts, it said there was no other option but to cancel this year’s yatra in view of the larger interests of pilgrims and others involved with the conduct of annual yatra.

Meanwhile the Chhari Mubarak (holy mace) of Lord Shiva was taken to Sharika Bhawani temple Hari Parbhat in Srinagar from its abode Dashnami Akhara today by Mahant Deependra Giri Ji Maharaj the custodian of holy mace to pay obeisance to the Goddess on the occasion of ‘Shravan Shukla Paksha Pratipada’, as per the age old traditions. He was accompanied by a group of Sadhus and devotees keeping in view the Government advisory in view of spread of COVID -19 and SOPs.

Chhari-Sthapana’ ceremony will be performed on July 23 at Shri Amareshwar Temple Akhara Building Budshah Chowk Srinagar and traditional ‘Chhari-Pujan’ will be performed on the occasion of ‘Nag-Panchami’ that falls on July 25.