No Amarnath Yatra, first time in 150 yrs

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Arun Joshi
Tribune News Service
Jammu, July 21

For the first time in 150 years, the annual Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir has been cancelled in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

After a meeting of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, chaired by Lt Governor GC Murmu and attended by UT administration officers, the announcement to cancel the yatra was made this evening, a fortnight ahead of its scheduled conclusion on August 3.

Virtual darshan

• 'Chhari Mubarak' may be airlifted on August 3
• Traditional rituals to be carried out at the holy shrine without interruption
• Darshan of one of the holiest pilgrimages of Lord Shiva to be telecast live

The board deliberated upon the prevailing Covid situation in Jamp;K and the risks involved in its conduct even at such a late stage. Considering that over 260 persons had died and 14,000 had been infected, it was felt that holding the yatra would be a high-risk affair.

As such, the devotees can watch "live aarti" from the cave shrine, devoted to Lord Shiva, on the television. The "Chhari Mubarak" may be airlifted to the shrine on August 3 (Raksha Bandhan day), marking the conclusion of the yatra. An official release said, "It is not advisable to conduct this year's Shri Amarnathji Yatra". The board and officials held "threadbare discussion on the current pandemic situation and its likely impact on the yatra". The meeting discussed various court rulings on the yatra. It was claimed the arrangements had been on track since February, but the curbs had forced the closure of religious places. The prohibitions continue till July 31.

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