Srinagar, Aug 28: The 57-day annual Amarnath Yatra 2026 concluded Friday with the traditional Samapan Puja at the Amarnath Cave shrine, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of lord Shiva, reached the 3880-metre-high shrine for the traditional Pujan and Darshan.
It was installed inside the cave amid prayers and Vedic chanting.
Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the holy mace, led the rituals. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha performed the Samapan Puja and formally marked the conclusion of the annual yatra.
The rituals are rooted in the traditional belief that lord Shiva narrated the tale of immortality to Goddess Parvati at the Amarnath cave shrine.
LG Sinha thanked the security forces, locals, Shri AmarnathJi Shrine Board officials, and volunteers for ensuring the smooth and peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage.
More than 4.80 lakh yatris undertook the yatra since it began July 3, using the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
The yatra was suspended August 9 on both routes due to adverse weather and damage to the yatra tracks.
The yatra concluded peacefully amid extensive security arrangements along the routes.
According to Shri AmarnathJi Shrine Board (SASB) – helicopter services remained suspended throughout the yatra.
After the rituals, Chhari Mubarak will return to Panchtarni and proceed through Sheshnag and Chandanwari before reaching Pahalgam on August 29.
The annual yatra will formally conclude August 30 with prayers followed by the traditional Visarjan ceremony in the Lidder River.
