Bad weather forces suspension of Amarnath, Vaishno Devi pilgrimages
The annual pilgrimages to the holy shrines of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir and Mata Vaishno Devi have been temporarily suspended due to adverse weather conditions, officials said on Sunday.
Heavy rainfall and landslides have made the routes risky for pilgrims, prompting the authorities to halt the yatras until further notice. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board issued separate advisories asking devotees not to proceed towards the shrines until weather conditions improve.
Officials said that over 1,000 pilgrims have been stranded at various base camps and are being provided shelter and food. Rescue teams have been deployed to assist those in need.
The Amarnath Yatra, which started on July 1, and the Vaishno Devi Yatra, which runs throughout the year, are significant religious events attracting millions of devotees from across the country. Every year, the journey is often affected by monsoon rains and landslides in the mountainous region.
The meteorological department has predicted more rain in the coming days, and a final decision on resuming the yatras will be taken once the weather clears and routes are deemed safe.
