Amarnath yatra suspended due to rains; unlikely to resume this year

The annual Amarnath yatra has been suspended due to recent rains and forecasted showers, and it is unlikely to resume this year, officials announced. Commencing on July 3, the 57-day pilgrimage was set to conclude on August 28. The suspension affects both the Chandanwari track in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

Divisional Commissioner Anshul Gard explained that the yatra tracks required repair due to recent rainfall and potential maintenance along vulnerable sections, which are ongoing with the assistance of the Border Roads Organization (BRO). Furthermore, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted adverse weather conditions for the coming days.

Consequently, the yatra remains halted from both routes as of August 9, Sunday. The concluding ceremony, known as "Chadi Mubarak," will still proceed via the traditional Pahalgam route, marking the end of Yatra 2026 on August 28, according to Gard. The Amarnath temple, a sacred Hindu site dedicated to Lord Shiva, features an ice formation in a cave at 3,888 meters above sea level.

As the only time of the year when the ice stalagmite can be accessed, the yatra has been disrupted this year by melting ice early on and subsequent adverse weather, leading to halts twice already. Over 4.8 lakh pilgrims have undertaken the journey this year, despite several road accidents, none of which resulted in fatalities.