A series of guidelines have been issued to pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra this year, including asking women not to wear sarees while trekking, by the shrine board which organises the two-month long pilgrimage.
Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has issued the guidelines ahead of the Yatra slated to begin on July 2.
The Board suggested that during the pilgrimage, people must carry sufficient woollen clothes as the temperature can sometimes abruptly fall to below five degrees Celsius, should carry umbrella, wind cheaters, raincoats, and water-proof shoes as the weather during the yatra area is unpredictable.
The board, headed by Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra, said that pilgrims visiting the cave shrine in upper reaches in Jammu and Kashmir, should keep their clothes and eatables in a suitable water-proof bag to avoid belongings getting wet.
“Do keep in your pocket a note containing the name, address, mobile telephone number of any yatri proceeding for darshan on the same date as you are doing, for emergency purposes, do carry your identity card, driving licence and yatra permit with you and do travel in a group along with porters, horses, ponies carrying your luggage,” the guideline said.
The pilgrims were advised to seek immediate assistance of the police in case any member of the group goes missing, have an announcement made on the public address system at the yatra camp, help fellow yatris and perform yatra with a pious mind.
“Do strictly follow the instructions issued by the yatra administration from time to time. Earth, water, air, fire and sky are integral parts of Lord Shiva. Therefore, do respect the environment and do nothing whatsoever to pollute the Yatra area,” it said.
The board also suggested that women pilgrims must not wear sarees while trekking during the yatra and salwar kameez, pant-shirt or a track suit will be more comfortable for them.
Women who are more than 6-week pregnant shall not be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage. Children below 13 years of age and elderly persons above the age of 75 years shall not be permitted to undertake the yatra.
“Don’t stop at places which are marked by warning notices, don’t use slippers because there are steep rises and falls on the route to the holy cave, only wear trekking shoes with laces and don’t attempt any short cuts on the route as doing so would be dangerous,” it said.
The pilgrims were also asked not to use polythene as its use is banned in Jammu and Kashmir and is punishable under law.
