Amarnath Yatra cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic

NewsBharati    22-Jul-2020 09:17:35 AM
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Srinagar, July 22: The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) led by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu on Tuesday announced that this year's Amarnath Yatra has been canceled in view of the coronavirus situation.
 
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The decision was taken in the 39th Board meeting of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board in which the Board members participated virtually through video conference to discuss the conduct of this year's Yatra.
 
"Based upon the circumstances, the Board decided with a heavy heart that it is not advisable to hold and conduct this year's Shri Amarnathji Yatra and expressed its regret to announce the cancellation of Yatra 2020. The Board is aware of and respects the sentiments of millions of devotees and to keep the religious sentiments alive, the Board shall continue the Live Telecast/ Virtual Darshan of the morning and evening Aarti, read a release by Raj Bhavan.
 
It also said that the traditional rituals shall be carried out as per the past practice and the Chhadi Mubarak shall be facilitated by the Government. The Chhari Mubarak of Swami Amarnath was taken to Sharika-Bhawani temple at Hari Parvat in Srinagar yesterday to pay obeisance to the goddess Sharika by Mahant Dipendra Giri. Prayers were offered for the early end of the prevailing coronavirus pandemic. Prayers were also offered before the goddess for bestowing peace and prosperity in Jammu & Kashmir.
 
According to the release, the Board was informed that the arrangements were on track since February 2020, but due to nationwide lockdown and pandemic, State Executive Committee, J&K has still continued to keep religious places and places of worship closed for the public. These prohibitions continue till 31st July.
 
"The health concerns are so serious that the strain on the health system, along with the diversion in resources to the Yatra, will be immense. This would also unnecessarily put the Yatris at risk of catching the COVID-19," it said.
 
The Board also deliberated the considered views of the government. "The Government made reasoned observations supported by facts which suggested that it would not be advisable to conduct Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2020 and it would be advisable to cancel it this year in the larger public interest. This would enable the Health, Civil and Police Administrations to focus on the immediate challenges facing them rather than diverting resources, manpower, and attention to the conduct of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra," read the release.