Jammu, August 21, 2024 – The annual pilgrimage of Chhari-Mubarak, dedicated to Swami Amarnath Ji, concluded today with the final rituals of ‘Pujan’ and ‘Visarjan’ (immersion) held at the banks of the Lidder River in Pahalgam.
The culmination ceremony was attended by a group of Sadhus led by Mahant Deependra Giri Ji, along with security personnel, a number of tourists from across the country, and local residents. Following the Pujan, a communal ‘Karri-Pakouri’ Bhandara was organized, where ‘Dakshina’ was offered to all present.
Addressing the gathering after the ceremony, Mahant Deependra Giri Ji expressed gratitude towards the Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Jammu & Kashmir Police, and various other departments including Health, Public Health Engineering (PHE), and Power Development Department (PDD). He acknowledged their crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the Yatra, which saw approximately 5.11 lakh pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Swami Amarnath Ji to pay their respects.
Mahant Ji also praised the voluntary organizations for their efforts in providing langar, medical services, and other essential facilities throughout the pilgrimage. He lauded the contributions of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Medical Response Teams (MRT), and the Health Department for their outstanding services.
However, Mahant Ji voiced regret over the suspension of the annual pilgrimage from the Pahalgam route 13 days before ‘Shravan Purnima’ and 10 days prior from the Baltal route. He highlighted that this unexpected closure had caused significant inconvenience and disappointment to thousands of pilgrims. This marked the third consecutive year that the pilgrimage was halted for civilians without prior notice.
Mahant Ji urged the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) and the Government to ensure that any future suspensions or closures of the pilgrimage are widely publicized at least a week in advance through national electronic and print media.
The arrangements for transportation, accommodation, and food for the Sadhus, the general public, and security personnel who accompanied the Chhari-Mubarak during the Swami Amarnath Ji Yatra were managed by ‘The True Trust,’ founded by Mahant Deependra Giri Ji in 2004.
After performing the concluding rituals at Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak departed for its abode at Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar this evening.
