Spike in corona virus infections has caused the cancellation in Amarnath yatra. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SABS) on Tuesday cancelled the annual Amarnath yatra due to rise in COVID-19 epidemic, which has taken a grasp on over 1.19 million people across India and affected more than 14,650 people in Jammu & Kashmir.

The decision was taken at the 39th video conference meetings of SABS by lieutenant-governor of J&K, Girish Chandra.

The Amarnath is recognized as one of the Hinduism’s holiest Sanctuaries in the south Kashmir Himalayas, where almost all devotees wish to visit for the annual pilgrimage.

Keeping an eye on the prevalent occurrence, the board decided with a heavy heart that it is not preferable to go ahead with the Shri Amarnathji Yatra this year and conveyed its regret to announce the cancellation of Yatra 2020. However, he also announced that the board shall continue the live telecast/ virtual Darshana of the morning and evening aarti. Further, the traditional rituals shall be carried out as per past practice. Also, the Charri Mubarak shall be facilitated by the government,” said an official spokesman.

Charri Mubarak is a ritual in which the holy mace of Lord Shiva is taken from Dashnami Akhara temple in Jammu to the holy cave, marking the beginning of pilgrimage.

SAB’s CEO Bipul Pathak, and senior officers of board also attended the meeting along with chief secretary BVR Subrahmanyam. They considered the Supreme Court order on July 13 that left the decision to conduct the Yatra was left to the state administration after assessing the ground realities; the arrangement for the annual pilgrimage; and how the pandemic has pushed the health care system to the limit, people aware of the proceedings said.

According to the reports, religious places and places of worship is closed for the public since the announcement of the nationwide lockdown in the month of March, J&K. Cases has taken a grasp in the region this month, with around 49% of the state’s total coming since July 1, 2020.