The annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage has been cancelled for the second year in a row in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision to cancel the annual Amarnath Yatra was taken at a meeting of the shrine board chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

“It’s important to save people’s lives. So, it is not advisable to hold and conduct this year’s pilgrimage in the larger public interest. Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board is aware of and respect the sentiments of millions of devotees, and to keep the sentiments alive, the Board shall continue the live telecast of morning and evening aarti from the Holy Cave shrine,” said Lt Governor.

Sinha after detailed deliberations has decided that the annual pilgrimage would be symbolic only. However, all the traditional religious rituals will be performed as per past practice.

He also directed officials to make arrangements so that devotees can virtually attend the morning and evening ‘aartis’ at the Himalayan cave shrine. This will allow them to pay obeisance while avoiding travel and exposure to the infection, the lieutenant governor added. Speaking to India Today TV, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board CEO Nitishwar Kumar said, “We have been assessing the Covid-19 situation in the Union Territory and the country. Our focus is on containing the pandemic and strengthening health infrastructure.”The 56-day yatra to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine of Lord Shiva, located in the upper reaches of the Himalayas, was scheduled to start from the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal on June 28 and culminate on August 22.