The 56-day long annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnathji in south Kashmir Himalayas will begin on June 28 this year and conclude on August 22.
Last year the annual yatra to the 3,880-metre high holy cave shrine was cancelled due to rise in Covid-19 cases all over the country, including Jammu and Kashmir. In 2019 the yatra was cancelled mid-way in wake of the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 that year.
Officials said the decision over the commencement of Amarnath pilgrimage from June 28 this year was taken in a meeting by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which manages the affairs of the pilgrimage.
Pertinently, Covid-19 positive cases have again started to surge in several parts of the country, but SASB as of now has decided to hold the yatra keeping with the Covid-19 guidelines.
The Board has said that to keep religious sentiments alive, it will continue the live telecast/ virtual darshan of the morning and evening Aarti besides that the traditional rituals will be carried as per past practice.
Published 13 March 2021, 11:30 IST