Amarnath Yatra Halted Due to Torrential Rain: Safety First for Devotees

Amid torrential downpours, the iconic Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage faced a temporary suspension on Wednesday. Authorities halted the journey from both the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps, citing safety concerns for the devotees. Official sources confirmed the measure was set to last for one day, while heavy rains persisted.

Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, reiterated the decision's necessity, stating that relentless rains beginning in the early hours necessitated the hold. The Yatra, which resumed earlier this month, remains a pivotal event in the spiritual calendar, attracting devotees from across the globe.

This year alone, more than 3.93 lakh pilgrims have visited the sacred Amarnath shrine, nestled at 3,888 metres in South Kashmir. Enthusiasts have lauded the smooth management by authorities. Concurrently, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Budha Amarnath Yatra, further emphasizing the region's significance in religious tourism.

(With inputs from agencies.)