In view of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in India, the Amarnath Shrine Board has decided to cancel the annual pilgrimage to the iconic Jammu and Kashmir shrine.
"Based upon the circumstances, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board decided with heavy heart that it is not advisable to hold and conduct this year&rsquos Shri Amarnathji Yatra and expressed its regret to announce the cancellation of Yatra 2020," the Amarnath Shrine Board has said in a statement.
Devotees, however, can pay respects to the deity through live telecast.
"The Board is aware of and respects the sentiments of millions of devotees and to keep the religious sentiments alive, the Board shall continue the Live Telecast/ Virtual Darshan of the morning and evening Aarti. Further, the traditional rituals shall be carried out as per past practice," said the board authorities.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court had asked the Jammu and Kashmir government to come to a decision on the pilgrimage which is attended by thousands every year..
This is the second year in a row that the pilgrimage has been cancelled. Last year, it was put off half-way, before the Centre announced its decision to scrap Article-370, and divide the state into two Union Territories.