Amarnath Yatra Resumes After Six-Day Weather Halt; Over 6,000 Pilgrims Depart Jammu

The annual Amarnath Yatra has recommenced after a six-day suspension caused by adverse weather conditions in the higher reaches of the Himalayas. More than 6,000 devotees departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Friday morning, embarking on their pilgrimage to the revered ice Shiva lingam shrine.

The pilgrimage had been halted since last Saturday, July 8, due to incessant rainfall and landslides across the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and in the mountainous terrain leading to the holy cave. The prolonged break was implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the lakhs of pilgrims undertaking the arduous journey.

While the convoy from Jammu proceeded, officials confirmed that no fresh batch of pilgrims was permitted to travel along the traditional Pahalgam route on Friday. This decision indicates ongoing concerns or restoration efforts along that specific path, while other routes or arrangements might be facilitating the flow of devotees.

Authorities have been working tirelessly to clear debris and restore connectivity on critical routes, with weather patterns being closely monitored. Security forces and disaster management teams remain on high alert to assist pilgrims and manage any unforeseen circumstances, underscoring the logistical complexities of the Yatra.