Amarnath Yatra halted on Baltal, Pahalgam routes; Chhari Mubarak to conclude traditionally
Amarnath Yatra halted on Baltal, Pahalgam routes. (Image courtesy: Wikimedia)
New Delhi: The Amarnath Yatra has been halted from both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes from Sunday as authorities brace for more bad weather in Jammu & Kashmir. The decision comes as heavy rain has damaged several sections of the pilgrimage tracks, prompting the administration to prioritize repairs and pilgrim safety.
The suspension affects the two routes leading to the 3,888-metre-high cave shrine in south Kashmir. Reports said the pilgrimage will resume only after weather conditions improve and the affected stretches are made safe for movement.
More than 4.8 lakh pilgrims have visited the shrine since the 57-day pilgrimage began on July 3. According to reports, 3,336 devotees had darshan at the cave on Saturday, taking the overall tally to 4,80,004.
The Pahalgam-Chandanwari route has been out of use since July 19 after prolonged rainfall and landslides damaged the track at multiple locations. The Baltal route had also remained closed from July 19 to July 24 because of heavy rain.
BRO begins track restoration
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been tasked with restoring vulnerable sections of the tracks. Kashmir divisional commissioner Anshul Garg said repairs have become necessary after the recent spell of rain and will be carried out alongside maintenance work.
The administration’s decision was also influenced by the latest weather forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Reports shows the situation will be reviewed depending on the weather as well as the condition of the Jammu & Srinagar national highway.
Rain also continued around the cave shrine on Saturday. Reports said the area remained cloudy through the day, with heavy rainfall reported after 2pm.
Chhari Mubarak to take traditional route
While the regular movement of pilgrims has been suspended, the traditional Chhari Mubarak procession will continue as scheduled and will formally bring this year’s Yatra to an end on August 28.
The holy mace will first be taken to the Shankaracharya Temple on August 12, followed by the Sharika Bhawani Temple on August 13. Chhari-Sthapana rituals will be held at the Shri Amareshwar Temple at Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar on August 15.
Mahant Deependri Giri said Chhari-Pujan will be performed at the Dashnami Akhara on August 17, coinciding with Nag Panchami. The mace will then begin its main journey towards the Amarnath cave on August 22.
The procession will spend two nights at Pahalgam on August 22 and 23 before moving to Chandanwari on August 24, Sheshnag on August 25 and Panchtarani on August 26 and 27.
It will reach the Amarnath cave on August 28 for the traditional pujan and darshan on Shravan Purnima, marking the culmination of the 2026 pilgrimage.
Authorities have appealed to pilgrims and devotees accompanying the holy mace to follow official safety instructions. The administration is also making arrangements with Jammu & Kashmir administration to ensure traditional procession is conducted safely despite weather-related challenges, he said.
