Despite the suspension of this year’s Amarnath Yatra a week before its scheduled conclusion, over 6,400 pilgrims performed darshan at the sacred Himalayan cave shrine on the 31st day of the annual pilgrimage. Authorities called off the yatra due to the need for urgent track maintenance, following heavy rainfall that damaged both traditional routes.
Thousands Still Perform Darshan Amid Suspension
On August 3, a total of 6,497 devotees reached the Amarnath cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir. These included:
- 4,586 males
- 1,299 females
- 62 children
- 51 sadhus
- 5 sadhvis
- 494 security personnel
After offering prayers, the pilgrims began their return journey via Domail and Panchtarni. Officials confirmed that of the 4,14,311 pilgrims who have participated since July 3, the majority have already returned home, while others are en route.
Yatra Cut Short for Safety Reasons
The 38-day pilgrimage, which was set to conclude on August 9 — coinciding with Sawan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan — was officially suspended from August 3, owing to severe weather-related track damage.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, said the decision was taken in light of critical repair work needed on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
“Due to recent heavy rainfall and the need for track maintenance, the yatra movement has been closed on both routes,” he stated, adding,
“With men and machinery being deployed for repairs, it is not feasible to resume the yatra.”
This year’s turnout, although significant, fell short of last year’s total of 5.1 lakh pilgrims.
Holy Mace Yatra Continues as Scheduled
While the general yatra stands suspended, the holy mace (Chhari Mubarak) procession will continue without interruption.
Under the custodianship of Mahant Deependra Giri Ji, the Chhari Mubarak will depart from Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar, on August 4, halting in Pahalgam for two nights before beginning its onward journey to the cave shrine via Chandanwari on August 6. It will reach the cave on August 9, where traditional rituals and prayers will be performed throughout the day before the mace returns.
Appeal for Caution and Gratitude for Cooperation
Authorities have urged pilgrims to cooperate with the decision, stressing that it was made purely for safety reasons. Despite the early suspension, officials expressed gratitude for the smooth conduct of the yatra so far and acknowledged the cooperation of pilgrims, security personnel, and volunteers in ensuring a safe pilgrimage season.
