Authorities suspend Amarnath Yatra due to adverse weather conditions

The annual Amarnath Yatra has been suspended from Jammu and Kashmir due to inclement weather and heavy rain forecasts. Authorities stopped the movement of new pilgrim batches from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp on August 8. The decision to halt the pilgrimage was officially announced as a measure to ensure the safety of devotees and to facilitate the maintenance of vulnerable track sections that have been damaged by recent rainfall.

The pilgrimage, which commenced on July 3, is now scheduled to conclude approximately 20 days earlier than the original date of August 28. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg stated that the suspension is necessary to address track conditions and respond to warnings of potential landslides and flash floods. Despite the early closure for pilgrims, the traditional Chhari Mubarak ceremony is expected to proceed as the final religious event of the season.