Amarnath Yatra suspended as heavy rain lashes Jammu and Kashmir
'Due to the heavy rains in the Yatra area, the movement of pilgrims from Base camps has been affected. Therefore, it has been decided that no convoy movement shall be allowed towards the base camps Baltal and Nunwan from Bhagwati Nagar Jammu on 31st July, 2025,' said the divisional commissioner of Jammu, Ramesh Kumar.
Pilgrims would be kept informed about the situation and related updates, Kumar added.
The divisional commissioner of Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri also informed that due to heavy continuous rains since early morning on July 30, the pilgrimage has not been allowed on the tracks from both the base camps Baltal and Chandanwari.
The Jammu and Kashmir department of information and public relations (DIPR) also took to X to announce the suspension.
Before the warning was issued, the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage continued from Jammu amid heavy rains as another batch of more than 1,300 pilgrims left on Wednesday for the twin base camps in the south Kashmir Himalayas.
The Amarnath Yatra resumed earlier this month and is scheduled to conclude on August 9, coinciding with the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan. The annual pilgrimage was also halted earlier on July 17, due to similar weather disturbances.
It commenced this year on July 3, and nearly 4 lakh pilgrims have so far visited the cave shrine, said the DIPR.
Located in South Kashmir, at an altitude of approximately 3,888 metres, the sacred shrine is flocked by devotees every year. Pilgrims travel to the shrine through either of the two routes, the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam route and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on July 27 flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Budha Amarnath Yatra from Jammu, officially starting the annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Lord Shiva in the region, reported news agency ANI.
'More than a thousand people have just set out for the Budha Amarnath Yatra. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has made excellent arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra,' said Sinha as he spoke at the flag-off event.
(With inputs from HT correspondents and ANI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Banke Bihari temple urges vulnerable devotees to skip Janmashtami visit
Agra: The Banke Bihari temple administration has issued an advisory urging devotees not to bring small children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and patients with comorbidities to the temple during Janmashtami celebrations due to the anticipated heavy influx of pilgrims. In a press note released on Wednesday, the temple said that on August 16 and 17, when the Janmashtami fair is scheduled, crowd density at Vrindavan's Banke Bihari temple is expected to be extremely high. The administration cited health risks posed by the combination of intense heat, humidity, and the ongoing rainy season, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with diabetes or high blood pressure. The advisory was issued as part of precautionary measures to prevent health hazards and crowd-related incidents similar to what occurred in Aug 2022, when at least two devotees were killed and several injured due to overcrowding at the temple. In addition to the temple advisory, a series of cultural programmes will be held across Braj on Aug 15, 16, and 17, featuring performances by local and renowned artists. A display of 5,100 oil lamps is also planned across the region. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Drink Almond Milk Daily, This Is What Happens Well Being For All Learn More Undo To enhance the festive atmosphere, all major roads and intersections in Mathura-Vrindavan will be decorated with lighting, including façade illumination at three locations. Four large entry gates will be constructed to guide the flow of pilgrims, and 1,025 sanitation workers will be deployed in three shifts to maintain hygiene. Security arrangements are also being stepped up. SSP Mathura Shlok Kumar said additional police force has been requested and coordination is underway with priests from Dwarkadhish temple and other local shrines. On Janmashtami day, crowd control measures such as holding areas and barricades will be implemented from the entrance of Krishna Janmabhoomi to Keshav Temple. "Efforts will be made to ensure smooth entry and exit for all devotees," Kumar said. The 161-year-old Banke Bihari temple, spread over just 1,200 square feet, typically receives around 50,000 devotees daily, with footfall crossing 1 lakh on weekends and over 5 lakh on festivals, making crowd control and safety a major concern.
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
Shamal Holding unveils Naia Island Dubai
Dubai [UAE], August 6 (ANI/WAM): Shamal Holding, the Dubai-based diversified investment firm, today unveiled Naia Island Dubai, a landmark private estate set to redefine ultra-luxury living in the its heart, the island hosts the region's first Cheval Blanc maison, which promises to set new standards for hospitality in the maison will feature a collection of suites and private villas, designed in Cheval Blanc's distinctive style: contemporary, serene, and emotional luxury. A limited number of branded beachfront residences and estate plots will be available, each with private beach access offering an opportunity to reside on an island where design, nature, and lifestyle exist together just off Jumeirah's coastline and seamlessly connected to Dubai's principal roadways, Naia Island Dubai has been designed as a resort masterplan shaped around open green spaces and coastal terrain. Its low-lying architecture offers unparalleled views of Dubai's iconic landmarks, beautifully framed by the open sea. It is intended to provide residents and guests with the ultimate sense of exclusivity, privacy, and natural amenity is designed to foster a connection with nature and a strong sense of place. From dining experiences to spa and wellness offerings, and a private marina, each element is thoughtfully integrated to flow with the island's rhythm, grounding residents and guests in the surrounding landscape.'This marks a defining chapter in our vision to create meaningful experiences, and an exciting step forward for Shamal as we continue to curate pioneering firsts that reinforce Dubai's position as a global benchmark for exceptional, world-class living," said Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding, 'Naia Island Dubai offers an enduring address, one that invites presence and lives beautifully overtime."With early works now underway, Naia Island Dubai is poised to become one of the region's most exclusive coastal addresses. (ANI/WAM)
Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Indian Express
UT announces free bus travel for women passengers on Rakhi
The Chandigarh Administration has announced free bus travel for all women passengers on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan on Saturday, August 9. This special initiative will be applicable across all local AC and non-AC buses operated by the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) and Chandigarh City Bus Services Society (CCBSS) within the Tricity region (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula). However, the concession will not be valid on CTU's long-route buses operating outside the Tricity limits. The move is aimed at enabling women to celebrate the festival of Raksha Bandhan with ease, safety, and convenience, while also promoting gender-inclusive and accessible public transport, said an official.
