As expected and being in tune with the demanding situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic which is showing no abatement, Shri Amarnath yatra has been rescinded and hence ,there will be no usual pilgrimage to the Holy cave this year which usually keeps stretching to over a month. However, ages old traditional yatra of Charri Mubarak, as usual, shall be conducted to perform the ”darshan” as per schedule. After analysing all the factors in view of the corona pandemic, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has taken the decision in a meeting which was presided over by the Lieutenant Governor who also happens to be the Chairman of the SASB. Since thousands of devotees, members of security forces, Government officials, ponywalas, labourers etc comprise the structure of the yatra, it would be really impossible to fully take care of the health concerns and ensure safety and security of all, especially en-route the Holy cave, which is singular in its geographical characteristics and dotted with other limitations. This sets at rest, any speculations about allowing only a minimum limited number of pilgrims on daily basis to undertake the yatra . The decision, however, deserves to be widely hailed all in the interests of the safety of the entire cavalcade comprising the pilgrimage. Most of the people and religious cum cultural organisations, however, have appreciated the decision taken to prevent pilgrims from contracting any infection of the virus while undertaking the yatra.
This decision, though taken under extreme compelling circumstances, would , however, enable the health, civil and police administration of the Union Territory to attend to and focus on the immediate challenges arising out of the corona-virus pandemic which by extent and intensity, is showing no signs of declining or subsiding. Agreeably, the religious feelings and sentiments of millions of devotees associated with this pilgrimage conducted once in a year can best be appreciated and they in turn, magnanimously must surely take the decision all in the positive side underlining the compelling reasons behind it. The annual yatra to the Holy cave at the height of 3900 metres and nearly 142 kms far from Srinagar passing through breathtaking and captivating scenery, mountains, glaciers , lakes and water bodies, usually taking place in July-August had unfortunately layers of uncertainties this year with regard to commencement as the likely dates kept on oscillating between one and the other date. It was primarily with the hope of the pandemic getting lessened in impact and severity , however, finally expected to be started from July 21 but after taking a holistic view , the decision to cancel the same was felt inevitable. Moreover, the Government has not revoked the restrictions on public ban in respect of visiting places of worship to keep off the threat of spread of the dreaded infection.
It is, as usual, that prior arrangements for a smooth and hassles free yatra are taken like removing snow from the walkways as right from Chandarwari to the actual spot of the Holy cave , one has to tread on foot or on horseback and right from February itself, preparations were on track but because of nationwide lockdown due to pandemic , normal routines got disturbed. It will not be out of context to mention that the Supreme Court , vide its order of July 13 had left the decision to conduct annual yatra to the administration and the Government only after assessing the ground realities prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir. High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh too , while hearing a writ petition had ordered that the Board should take the final view in the light of the Supreme Court order. Let us hope next year , the pilgrimage to the Holy cave would be normally conducted with all its grandeur and religious sanctity as very hopefully, war against COVID-19 would have been decidedly won never ever the ‘virus’ to resurface. The devotees, however, can feel contended with and make the best use of the morning and evening prayers to be held at the Holy cave which is scheduled to be telecast live daily.
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