Shri Amarnath Yatra-2020: 42 days Yatra to begin from 23rd June

Shri Amarnath Yatra-2020: 42 days Yatra to begin from 23rd June Jammu, February 14(HS): The 42-day-long annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir would begin on June 23 in Jammu and Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu Chairman Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), presided over the 37th Board meeting held here today at Raj Bhavan, Jammu. Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar Advisor to the Lt Governor, Sh. BVR Subrahmanyam Chief Secretary and Members of the Board including Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj; D.C. Raina; Pt. Bhajan Sopori; Prof. Anita Billawaria; Dr. Sudershan Kumar; Dr. C.M. Seth and Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri, Bipul Pathak, Chief Executive Officer; Anup Kumar Soni, Additional Chief Executive Officer; and other senior officers of the Shrine Board also attended the meeting. Regarding the duration and date of commencement of the Yatra 2020, based on the approach set out by the Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Committee, which had been set up to advise regarding the duration and schedule of future Yatras, the Board, keeping in view the foremost concern of the safety and security of the pilgrims, decided that a 42-days Yatra would commence on 23rd June, 2020, an auspicious day of Jagan Nath Rath Yatra as per Hindu Calendar, and conclude on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) on 3rd August, 2020. The Board noted the steps taken by CEO for the registration of pilgrims through 442 designated branches of Punjab National Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Bank and YES Bank, located in 32 States and UTs, and directed him to take all the required steps to commence Advance Registration of pilgrim’s w.e.f. from 1st April 2020. Considering the success of Pilot Project of Online Registration of limited number of intending Yatris in 2019, the Board decided to increase the quota of Online Registration. The Board also advised CEO to appeal to all the potential pilgrims to consult their doctors before embarking on the pilgrimage. The CEO shall also widely publicize that no person below the age of 13 years and above the age of 75 years shall be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage. The Board directed the CEO to take timely steps for ensuring uninterrupted telecom connectivity in the Yatra area. Appreciating the important services rendered by the Langar Organizations, the Board looked forward to their continued support during the ensuing Yatra. Hindusthan Samachar/Ranjit/Balwan-hindusthansamachar.in