Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board headed by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu has decided to cancel this year’s Amarnath Yatra in view of the coronavirus situation. LG, who is Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) presided over the 39th Board meeting of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board yesterday in which the Board members participated virtually through video conference to discuss the conduct of this year’s Yatra.
The Board suggested that it would not be advisable to conduct Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2020 and it would be advisable to cancel it this year in larger public interest. This would enable the Health, Civil and Police Administrations to focus on the immediate challenges facing them rather than diverting resources, manpower and attention to the conduct of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra.
Based upon the circumstances, the Board decided that it is not advisable to hold and conduct this year’s Shri Amarnathji Yatra and expressed its regret to announce the cancellation of Yatra 2020. The Board said that it is aware of and respects the sentiments of millions of devotees and to keep the religious sentiments alive, the Board shall continue the Live Telecast/ Virtual Darshan of the morning and evening Aarti.
It also said that the traditional rituals shall be carried out as per the past practice and the Chhadi Mubarak shall be facilitated by the Government.
Meanwhile, the Chhari Mubarak of Swami Amarnath was taken to Sharika-Bhawani temple at Hari Parvat in Srinagar yesterday to pay obeisance to the goddess Sharika by Mahant Dipendra Giri. Prayers were offered for the early end of the prevailing coronavirus pandemic. Prayers were also offered before the goddess for bestowing peace and prosperity in Jammu & Kashmir.
