Pilgrimages to the revered cave shrines of Amarnath, Mata Vaishno Devi, and Shiv Khori in Jammu and Kashmir have been halted for the second consecutive day. Heavy rainfall across the region has led authorities to suspend the yatras, leaving hundreds of devotees stranded at various base camps and lodging centers.
Amarnath Yatra Officially Suspended
An official statement confirmed the suspension of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra until further notice, citing an inclement weather forecast from the MeT Department. Consequently, no vehicles carrying pilgrims are permitted to proceed from Jammu, Udhampur, or Ramban towards Srinagar. Hundreds of Amarnath pilgrims are currently stranded in areas including Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Ramban, and Banihal. Security personnel have been deployed along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to ensure compliance with the travel restrictions.
Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Also Affected
The yatra to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, located in the Trikuta hills of Reasi district, also remains suspended. At the Katra base camp, police used loudspeakers to inform devotees about the suspension and advised those who had already arrived to remain in town until weather conditions clear. Pilgrims are not permitted to move towards Bhawan.
Shiv Khori Yatra Halted
The pilgrimage to the Shri Shiv Khori shrine in Reasi district has similarly been put on hold for a second day. The Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board issued an advisory urging devotees to postpone their travel plans due to forecasts of heavy rainfall and adverse weather in the Ransoo area. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for continued heavy rains.
Safety Advisory and Weather Outlook
Officials are closely monitoring the weather situation and have urged all devotees planning a pilgrimage to check the latest updates before commencing their journeys. Any decision regarding the resumption of the yatras will be made only after a thorough review of weather conditions and comprehensive safety assessments. Rainfall began early on Sunday, with reports of cloudbursts in forest areas of Kashmir. The weather department has forecast moderate to widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir from July 19 to July 24.