JAMMU: The annual pilgrimage to Amarnath cave shrine will begin from June 28 this year and conclude on August 10, it was announced today.
The yatra period this year will be of 44 days, 10 days less than last year.
Keeping in mind the safety and security of the pilgrims, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has decided the schedule for the 44-day pilgrimage, a SASB spokesman said here.
Considering the present carrying capacity of the tracks and other available infrastructure on the yatra route to the Himalayan cave shrine of Lord Shiva, the Board decided that 7,500 visitors, excluding those who would travel by helicopters to Panjtarni, would be allowed to register for the pilgrimage on per day, per route basis, he said.
The registration process will commence from March 1.
The decisions were taken by SASB headed by its chairman N N Vohra, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, during a three-hour meeting of the Board which in New Delhi.
Regarding the duration and commencement of the Amarnath Yatra, the Board relied upon the approach set out by its sub-committee, chaired by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, which had been set up in July 2011 to advise on the duration and schedule of future yatras.
The Board directed that the CEO should arrange a special Pooja on the day of Jyesth Purnima, which falls on June 13 this year to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva for a smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, the spokesman said.
The pilgrims must furnish the prescribed Compulsory Health Certificate issued by the authorised doctors and medical institutes. All states and UTs have been asked to furnish a list of doctors and institutes who would issue these certificates which will be uploaded on the Board’s website – www.Shriamarnathjishrine.Com,
The CEO said the designated expert committee has revised the Food Menu which will be applicable to all ‘langar’ organisations as well as food stalls, shops or any other establishment which sells food or beverages.
The Board reviewed the arrangements being made for providing healthcare and sanitation facilities to the yatris and the measures being taken to preserve the environment of the Yatra area, he said. (AGENCIES)
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