NEW DELHI: The Amarnath pilgrimage has been cancelled for the second consecutive year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and will be "symbolic only".
Taking to his Twitter handle Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha wrote, "Shri Amarnathji Yatra cancelled in wake of Covid-19 Pandemic. Decision after threadbare discussion with Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board members. Yatra to be symbolic only. However, all the traditional religious rituals shall be performed at the Holy Cave Shrine as per past practice."
"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," he further added.
Located in the upper reaches of Himalayas, the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine of Lord Shiva holds an annual 56-day yatra every year, however, owing to the pandemic it stands cancelled since 2020.
Amarnathji Shrine Board CEO, Nitishwar Kumar, said, the shrine board have made the arrangements for the mace of Lord Shiva- Chhari Mubarak' to be taken to the holy cave on August 22.
"Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has been assessing the Covid situation in the Union Territory and the country. Our focus is on containing the pandemic and strengthening health infrastructure," he observed.
Meanwhile, the morning telecast of Aarti at 6 AM and evening Aarti at 5 PM, each for 30 minutes, will be live-streamed on Shri Amarnath ji Shrine board official website and the app specifically dedicated for the devotees.
Notably, the morning telecast of Aarti at 6 AM and evening Aarti at 5 PM, each for 30 minutes, will be live-streamed on Shri Amarnath ji Shrine board official website and the app specifically dedicated for the devotees.
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