SRINAGAR, AUGUST 09, 2026 : The focus of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 has now shifted to the traditional and sacred journey of Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, which will begin its pilgrimage towards the Amarnath cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas later this month.
šļø Rituals Begin August 12
According to officials, Chhari Mubarak will be taken to the historic Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar on August 12, followed by a visit to the Sharika Bhawani Temple on August 13.
The rituals will continue with Chhari-Sthapana at Shri Amareshwar Temple, Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar, on August 15.
Mahant Deependri Giri said the traditional Chhari-Pujan will be performed at Dashnami Akhara Srinagar on August 17, on the auspicious occasion of Nag Panchami.
š© Main Pilgrimage Begins August 22
The main journey of the holy mace will begin on August 22 through the traditional Pahalgam route.
The Chhari Mubarak will reach the Amarnath cave shrine for Pujan and Darshan on August 28, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Shravan Purnima and marking the culmination of this year’s pilgrimage.
The scheduled night halts are:
- August 22ā23: Pahalgam
- August 24: Chandanwari
- August 25: Sheshnag
- August 26ā27: Panchtarani
- August 28: Amarnath Cave Shrine
š Yatra Suspended on Both Routes
The authorities have suspended the regular pilgrimage on both routes from August 9 to facilitate necessary repair and maintenance work on vulnerable stretches of the tracks.
Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg said the Chhari Mubarak would continue through the traditional Pahalgam route and mark the formal culmination of Yatra 2026 on August 28.
š§ļø Rain, Track Repairs Prompt Suspension
The 57-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra began on July 3, 2026, simultaneously through the Chandanwari route in Anantnag and the Baltal route in Ganderbal.
More than 4.8 lakh pilgrims have reportedly performed Darshan at the holy shrine so far.
Garg said recent rains had created the need for repair and maintenance at vulnerable stretches of the pilgrimage tracks. The work is being undertaken by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
The India Meteorological Department has also forecast adverse weather conditions over the coming days, officials said.
š Safety Remains Priority
Authorities have urged pilgrims to follow official advisories and cooperate with security and administrative arrangements to ensure their safety.
Mahant Deependri Giri has also requested the Union Territory administration to make necessary arrangements to preserve the age-old traditions associated with Chhari Mubarak and ensure the safe movement of the holy mace, sadhus and accompanying pilgrims.
Following the suspension of the Baltal route, langars (community kitchens) operating along the route have been dismantled, while service providers have begun leaving the base camp.
The sacred journey of Chhari Mubarak on August 22 will therefore become the central religious event leading to the final Darshan and culmination of Amarnath Yatra 2026 on August 28,
