Jammu- The Amarnath Yatra, a significant pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir, was suspended on Friday due to unfavorable weather conditions. As rain engulfed several parts of Kashmir, authorities decided to halt the yatra along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Pilgrims were prohibited from proceeding to the holy cave shrine due to the suspension.
Senior Superintendent of Police Mohita Sharma confirmed that the yatra was halted in the Chanderkote area of Ramban district. The inclement weather in the Pahalgam region was cited as the reason for the suspension. Heavy showers commenced early in the day, compelling the temporary pause of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims were held back at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps.
In Jammu, officials reported that a group of 4,600 pilgrims en route to the Pahalgam base camp was stopped in Chanderkot. In contrast, another group of 2,410 devotees heading towards the Baltal camp was allowed to proceed. According to officials, the yatra will resume once the weather conditions improve.
On the previous day, a total of 17,202 pilgrims had the opportunity to pay their respects at the holy cave shrine, bringing the cumulative number of devotees who have witnessed the natural ice lingam formation in the south Kashmir Himalayas to 84,768.
The 62-day annual pilgrimage to the 3,888-meter-high cave shrine began on July 1, with twin tracks in Pahalgam and Baltal facilitating the journey. The yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 31.