Srinagar: As a precautionary step, the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra was halted for Wednesday July 30 at both the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps. This decision was made by Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, due to continuous heavy rainfall in the area since early morning. Authorities decided against permitting pilgrims on the routes from Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari, prioritizing their safety amid hazardous weather conditions.

Record pilgrim turnout despite weather challenges
In spite of the temporary halt, the Yatra had already experienced an impressive turnout, with over 3.93 lakh devotees having visited the sacred cave shrine this year. The pilgrimage, a significant spiritual event in the Hindu calendar, commenced on July 3 and is set to conclude on August 9, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival.

New batch of pilgrims begins journey from Jammu
Unfazed by the rain, a new group of 1,490 pilgrims departed from Jammu on Monday (July 28) for the Amarnath cave. This 27th group consisted of 1,262 men, 186 women, and 42 sadhus and sadhvis. The pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in 61 vehicles between 3:25 and 3:57 am, under strict CRPF and police escort, heading towards both Baltal and Pahalgam camps.

The first convoy took on the challenging 14-kilometre Baltal route, while the larger group followed the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam path. This brings the total number of pilgrims departing from Jammu to the valley to over 14.27 lakh since the Yatra began.

Looking back: Last year’s record and the road ahead
The Amarnath Yatra has attracted increasing numbers each year. Last year, the Yatra recorded a turnout of more than 5.10 lakh pilgrims who paid their respects at the naturally formed ‘ice lingam’ within the holy cave.

With almost two weeks remaining until the conclusion of the yatra, officials are staying alert to weather conditions. Continuous updates and safety protocols are implemented to protect pilgrims and maintain the journey’s sanctity and success, while the yatra’s continuation will rely on improvements in weather.

Safety as the highest priority
Authorities have reassured devotees that safety is the foremost concern and that yatra schedules will be updated in real time. Pilgrims are encouraged to exercise patience and follow the guidance of officials. Unprecedented rainfall led to the temporary suspension of the Amarnath Yatra on July 30, yet this sacred journey has already seen a significant turnout.

As enthusiastic groups of pilgrims keep arriving at the holy site, the administration is focusing on safety above all else and will reopen routes as soon as conditions allow. The yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 9, marking another significant year for this esteemed pilgrimage.