Uncertainty looms large on Shri Amarnath Yatra, initial ritual performed at Jammu

Shri Amarnath Yatra-2020: Initial ritual (Puja) of Amarnath Yatra performed at SASB office Jammu instead of Kashmir due to coronavirus pendamic: SASB CEO Vipul Patak

As the uncertainty looms large over the commencement of Shri Amarnath Yatra-2020 in the absence of any official announcement by Jammu and Kashmir government, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) has performed the initial ritual (puja) in its Talab Tillo office at Jammu in presence of Board members and Officials which is scheduled to hold on 5th of June every year.

SASB CEO Vipul Patak while addressing the media after performing puja informed that presently we are facing some problems in commencing Shri Amarnath Yatra due lockdown and shortage of labourers who had already left for their destinations.

"The government has already made entire arrangements enroute Yatra pertaining to commencing of yatra which will be announced soon by the government accordingly keeping in view safety and protection of Amarnath Yatra devotees as far as coronavirus pendamic is concerned," CEO maintained.

He added that Yatra will be commencing in time which is for short time period as compared to previous years due to present situation across the nation.

Earlier, it was unanimously decided by the government that initial puja will be performed on Jyeshth Purnima on June 5 at the shrine board office at Talab Tillo in Jammu," CEO

He added that usually, this ritual is performed at Chandanwari before the beginning of Amarnath yatra and said that this is for the first in the history that this Amarnath ritual Pooja has performed in Jammu instead of Kashmir valley.

“In the backdrop of lockdown and current circumstances due to COVID-19 pandemic, it is unanimously decided to perform puja here at Jammu,” SASB CEO said.