Pilgrimages to Major Shrines in Jammu and Kashmir Suspended Due to Heavy Rain Forecast
Suspension of Pilgrimages Amid Weather Warnings
People gather near the Banganga entry gate after the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board suspends the pilgrimage, on Sunday. (Photo:PTI)
Srinagar/Jammu, Jul 19: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted extensive rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the suspension of pilgrimages to the Amarnath cave shrine, Mata Vaishno Devi, and Shri Shiv Khori shrines.
Both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes for the Amarnath Yatra have been closed to pilgrims.
Officials have announced that no pilgrims will be allowed to proceed from the base camps at Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari in Kashmir, nor from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu.
"Due to the adverse weather forecast from the IMD, the Shri Amarnathji Yatra will be temporarily suspended from all base camps, including Pahalgam and Baltal, starting July 19, 2026, as a precaution for the safety of pilgrims," stated an official.
"Further updates regarding the resumption of the Amarnath Yatra will be provided after assessing the safety of the routes and the weather conditions," the official added.
Early Sunday, rain affected various regions of Jammu and Kashmir, with reports of cloudbursts in forested areas of Kashmir. The IMD has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall from July 19 to 23.
Since the annual yatra commenced on July 3, over 3.76 lakh pilgrims have visited the holy cave shrine.
In light of the weather advisory, pilgrimages to the Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Shiv Khori shrines in Reasi district have also been halted, according to officials.
"The Vaishno Devi yatra will remain temporarily suspended due to the adverse weather advisory from the IMD," an official confirmed.
Devotees are encouraged to stay informed through official channels, as authorities are actively monitoring the situation.
The Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board has also requested devotees to delay their travel plans until further notice, citing safety concerns.
"Given the IMD's forecast of heavy rains and the current weather conditions in Ransoo, the pilgrimage to Shri Shiv Khori has been temporarily suspended," the Jammu Divisional Commissioner announced on social media.
He emphasized that the situation is under continuous observation and urged devotees to check for the latest updates before planning their visits.
Officials indicated that a decision regarding the resumption of pilgrimages will be made once weather conditions improve and safety evaluations are conducted.