People stand in a queue during the 'Vaishno Devi Yatra' on New Year's eve, in Katra, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (PTI Photo) The Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been temporarily suspended till Sunday morning due to adverse weather conditions, authorities announced on Saturday. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of pilgrims amid inclement weather in the region. Officials said the movement of devotees has been halted until Sunday morning. A fresh decision on the resumption of the yatra will be taken after authorities review the weather conditions and assess the safety of the route. Pilgrims have been advised to follow official advisories and avoid travelling towards the shrine until further instructions are issued. Meanwhile, the Shri Amarnathji Yatra has also been temporarily suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from July 19 after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast adverse weather over the next few days. According to the administration, no onward movement of pilgrims will be permitted from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps from July 19. The suspension has been ordered purely as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of devotees undertaking the annual pilgrimage. In an official statement, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said, "In view of the forecast of inclement weather over the next few days and considering the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, Shri Amarnathji Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from 19.07.2026. Accordingly, no onward movement of pilgrims will be permitted from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camp from 19.07.2026. Updates regarding the resumption of Yatra shall be issued in due course of time after ensuring route safety and comprehensive assessment of the weather conditions." Authorities said the pilgrimage will resume only after a detailed review of the weather situation and after officials confirm that both routes are safe for pilgrims. The administration has urged devotees not to proceed towards the base camps until fresh instructions are issued and to rely only on official updates regarding the resumption of the yatra. Despite the temporary suspension, the Shri Amarnathji Yatra has witnessed a massive turnout this year. According to the administration, more than 3.7 lakh pilgrims have so far paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine during the ongoing pilgrimage. The twin decisions to suspend the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra and the Shri Amarnathji Yatra come amid forecasts of heavy rainfall and unstable weather conditions across parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with authorities prioritising pilgrim safety over continued movement. Aditi Pandey is a passionate journalist with over three years of experience in the digital newsroom. She has covered politics, crime and world news, w... View More