Srinagar, Aug 8 (NVI) The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will remain suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes from August 9 to facilitate repair and maintenance of vulnerable stretches of the pilgrimage tracks following recent rains, officials said on Saturday.
The 57-day pilgrimage, which commenced on July 3 from the traditional Chandanwari route in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district, is scheduled to culminate with the ‘Chadi Mubarak’ ceremony on August 28.
More than 4.8 lakh pilgrims have so far paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine, according to officials.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said the suspension was necessitated by the need to restore the tracks at vulnerable locations following recent rainfall. The restoration work is being carried out by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
“Adverse weather conditions have also been predicted by the IMD over the next few days. Hence, the Yatra shall remain suspended from both routes with effect from August 9, 2026,” Garg said.
He said the traditional ‘Chadi Mubarak’ would proceed through the Pahalgam route and mark the culmination of the 2026 Yatra on August 28.
The divisional commissioner appealed to pilgrims to follow advisories issued by the competent authorities from time to time in the interest of their safety and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.(NVI)
