Amarnath Yatra, the annual Hindu pilgrimage to a Jammu and Kashmir shrine, will not take place this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the board that manages the place of worship said on July 21. This is the second year in a row that the pilgrimage would not be carried out. In 2019 the pilgrimage was cancelled mid-way.
The Centre then announced its twin decisions to scrap Article-370 and bifurcate the state into two Union Territories.
“Based upon the circumstances, the Board decided with heavy heart 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 Amarnath Shrine Board said in a statement.
“The Board 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. Further, the traditional rituals shall be carried out as per past practice,” it said.
The Supreme Court, in an order this month, had asked the Jammu and Kashmir government to take a decision on organising the pilgrimage, taking in account the ground realities.
Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu presided over a meeting of the Board, which was attended by senior Union Territory and the Board officials.
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