Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra suspended amid adverse weather
Katra, July 19
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of pilgrims amid adverse weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday.
This also coincides with the suspension of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra due to the inclement weather forecast.
Authorities have urged devotees to cooperate and avoid undertaking the pilgrimage until further orders.
They urged pilgrims to stay updated for the latest information on the Yatra's resumption.
Meanwhile, for the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, said that in view of the inclement weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the pilgrimage shall remain temporarily suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from Sunday as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well‑being of the pilgrims.
He added that no onward movement of pilgrims will be permitted from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps from Sunday. Updates regarding the resumption of the Yatra will be issued in due course, after ensuring route safety and a comprehensive assessment of the weather conditions.
So far, over 3.7 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine during the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra. This year's SANJY‑2026 started on July 3 and will conclude after 57 days on August 28, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.
Yatris approach the Holy Cave Shrine, situated at 3,880 metres above sea level, either via the traditional, longer Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.
Those using the Baltal route return to the base camp the same day after having Darshan inside the cave shrine.
The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite that waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.
Due to security reasons, the area beyond the two base camps of Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) has been declared a 'No-fly zone'. No helicopter service is available to the Yatris this year due to this reason.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's disappointing but necessary. We were planning to go next week and now everything is uncertain. Hope the weather clears soon. At least 3.7 lakh devotees already had darshan this year, which is great.
Why is the helicopter service suspended? That's a major inconvenience for elderly pilgrims. 🚁 The 'no-fly zone' justification seems vague. Authorities should at least allow emergency medical evacuations. Safety is important, but so is accessibility for those who can't walk the tough terrain.
Both Vaishno Devi and Amarnath yatra suspended at same time - this is unprecedented. 😔 Our family has been doing these pilgrimages for generations. But I'd rather postpone than risk lives. Stay safe everyone, and keep faith - Mata Rani and Baba Bholenath will call us when the time is right.
Good decision by the administration. Climate change is real - we're seeing erratic weather even in the Himalayas. 🌧️ The IMD forecast should be taken seriously. For those waiting, remember that devotion is about patience too. Har Har Mahadev!
My parents are stranded at Katra base camp right now. 😟 They called and said there's confusion among pilgrims about refunds and rescheduling. Administration should set up clear help desks. Also, why wasn't this communicated earlier? People have spent thousands on travel.
A < We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.