Jammu and Kashmir government cancels this year's Amarnath Yatra due to COVID-19

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has cancelled the Amarnath Yatra for the second consecutive year following the pandemic. The decision was taken after threadbare discussion with Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board members, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha said. All traditional religious rituals shall be performed at the shrine, however.

“Shri Amarnathji Yatra cancelled in wake of Covid-19 pandemic…Yatra to be symbolic only. However, all the traditional religious rituals shall be performed at the Holy Cave Shrine as per past practice,” the LG’s office said in a tweet on Monday. “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,” the tweet said.

The pilgrimage was scheduled from the last week of June till August 22 and the administration had made arrangements for around six lakh devotees.