The annual Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir will be held amid the coronavirus pandemic, for 15 days, starting 21 July till 3 August, announced the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.
Even as the board awaits final nod from the government, here’s all you need to know about the yatra amid the pandemic.
Who will be allowed to take part in the Amarnath Yatra?
Do pilgrims need to test COVID-19 negative for undertaking the yatra?
Those undertaking the yatra must have a COVID-19 negative certificate, said an official, speaking to Hindustan Times.
ICMR guidelines say that asymptomatic people, who have not come in contact with a COVID-19 positive person, will not be tested.
Therefore, there is no clarity about this yet. Watch this space for more information.
Has the route of Amarnath Yatra changed?
The pilgrimage will now take place through the shorter route, from Baltal to the Amarnath caves. The longer route from Pahalgam will not be used due to the pandemic.
The Baltal route is only 14 km, while the Pahalgam route is 45-kilometer long.
Is this the first time the Amarnath Yatra is being cut short?
No, in 2019, the Centre cut short the yatra after alleged terror threats, ahead of the scrapping of Article 370.
Is there a restriction on the number of people allowed?
Yes, according to media reports, only 2,000 pilgrims are likely to be allowed per day, due to the pandemic. However, the government is expected to make announcement regarding this shortly.
I want to travel from Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir, to undertake Amarnath Yatra. Should I quarantine myself in the state?
As of now, the Jammu and kashmir government mandates 14-day institutional quarantine for anyone who enters the state. However, it is not clear if the same rules would apply for Amarnath yatris. Watch this space for more information on this.
What precautions should be taken by devotees while visiting places of worship?
What precautions should be taken by religious places amid the pandemic?
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