Amarnath Yatra to begin on Jun 23, cut short to 42 days

JAMMU: The annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in South Kashmir Himalayas will commence on June 23, and would culminate 42 day later on August 3.
The duration of this year’s pilgrimage has been cut short by 4 days from last year’s officially announced 46 days schedule, which was cut short to 33 days, when the Centre suspended the Yatra citing security reasons.
The decision was taken by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), headed by Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu, at its meeting at the Raj Bhavan here.
Keeping in view the foremost concern of the safety and security of the pilgrims, the Board decided that a 42-days Yatra would commence on 23 June, an auspicious day of Jagan Nath Rath Yatra as per Hindu Calendar, and conclude on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) on 3 August, 2020, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), Bipul Pathak said here.
He said the decision was taken on the recommendation of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Committee, set up to advise regarding the duration and schedule of future Yatras.
The registration for the yatra will begin from April 1.
Considering the success of the pilot project of online registration of limited number of yatris in 2019, the board decided to increase the quota of online registration, a spokesman of the board said.
Last year, the number was capped at 7,500 pilgrims, per day on each route, allowed to secure advance registration.
The SASB said it noted the steps taken by its CEO for registration of pilgrims through 442 designated branches of Punjab National Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Bank and YES Bank and directed all steps be taken to begin advance registration on April 1.
No person below the age of 13 years and above the age of 75 years shall be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage. Instructions were also issued to ensure that the yatra routes and camps remain plastic-free, the spokesman said.
The Board directed the CEO to take timely steps for ensuring uninterrupted telecom connectivity in the Yatra area. Appreciating the important services rendered by the Langar Organizations, the Board looked forward to their continued support during the ensuing Yatra.
It is to be mentioned here that after seeing a share decline in number of pilgrims paying obeisance at the holy cave in 2016, the number have gradually increased over the years, with 2019 witnessing over 3 lakh visitors (3.42 lakh) for the first time since 2015, despite the Yatra cut short by 12 days.
Ahead of its culmination scheduled on August 15, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on August 2 last year had issued a security advisory asking Amarnath pilgrims and tourists to leave Kashmir as soon as possible, citing terror threat in the Valley.
The advisory was issued just before the Centre announced the nullification of Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territories on August 5.
The officials believe that this year, the Yatra could touch the magic 4 lakh figure.
Earlier in the meeting also attended by Murmu’s Advisor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam, and Members of the Board including Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj; DC Raina; Pt Bhajan Sopori; Prof Anita Billawaria; Dr Sudershan Kumar; Dr CM Seth and Prof Vishwamurti Shastri, the board also directed wide publicity, through electronic and print media, of the need by all prospective pilgrims to secure compulsory health certificates from doctors/ hospitals nominated by the state or Union Territories where they reside before seeking advance registration from the nearest designated Bank, which would issue a Yatra Permit valid for the specified date and route.
It also said that it be widely-known that no one below 13 years of age or above 75 years would be allowed for the pilgrimage, and also appealed to all potential pilgrims to consult their doctors before embarking on the pilgrimage. Taking into account the difficult climate and terrain in the high-altitude region of the Yatra, it requested all pilgrims to prepare themselves fully and make themselves physically fit with regular walks and exercise.
The board directed the CEO to take steps for ensuring uninterrupted telecom connectivity in the area during the pilgrimage, the official said, adding it also requested the intending pilgrims to make themselves physically fit for the arduous journey.
The board then reviewed the action plan drawn up for this year's pilgrimage, including medical care, sanitation facilities, installation of the railings at all vulnerable points on the two routes and ensuring removal of garbage in a scientific and environment friendly manner, the official added.