In view of the prevailing Covid-19 circumstances, Jammu and Kashmir Government today canceled this year’s annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. However, all the traditional religious rituals shall be performed at the Holy Cave Shrine as per past practice.
A threadbare discussion in this regard was held with the members of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board in view of the present Covid-19 situation before arriving at the decision. subsequently, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also Chairman of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board held detailed deliberations with Chief Secretary, DGP, Principal Secretary, and Principal Secretary to Lt Governor and directed that devotees should be enabled to attend to morning and evening Aarti in online mode.
The meeting was informed that Shrine Board has put in place a virtual and televised mechanism for live Darshan of Aarti from the holy cave.
Lieutenant Governor said that it is important to save the lives of the people in view of the pandemic and subsequently not advisable to hold and conduct this year’s pilgrimage in the larger public interest.
Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board CEO said the shrine board has made the arrangements for the mace of Lord Shiva- Chhari Mubarak’ to be taken to the holy cave on 22nd August when the yatra is to conclude coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
He said that both morning telecast of Aarti at 6 AM and evening Aarti at 5 PM, each for 30 minutes would be live-streamed on Shri Amarnath ji Shrine board’s official website and the app specifically dedicated for the devotees.
By Vishal Sharma
Vishal Sharma is a renowned Indian journalist, cyber security expert, social activist, and poet, better known in literary circles as Surur Akbarabadi. Journalism is his first love, through which he has captured the pulse of society and pursued an unwavering commitment to truth. He divides his time between Agra—his ancestral home, famed for the Taj Mahal and Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb—and Lucknow, the cultural capital of Uttar Pradesh, where he lives as a devoted husband and doting father. His personal life, filled with love and care for his family, anchors his relentless efforts for societal good. Vishal’s academic path reflects his versatility: a B.Sc. degree sharpened his scientific rigor, while an LL.B. equipped him with a legal perspective. His journalistic career is illustrious, having worked with prominent publications such as The Indian Express, The Pioneer, Indo-American Times, and Business Standard, where he mastered the art of weaving facts into compelling narratives. As Managing Editor of Indian Talent Magazine, he nurtured emerging voices, and today, he runs Agra24.in, a news portal that keeps Agra’s heartbeat alive online, while also serving on the editorial boards of several other digital platforms, amplifying stories that matter. Poetry is Vishal’s close second love, expressed under his pseudonym Surur Akbarabadi—a blend of "joy" and a tribute to Agra’s rich legacy. Inspired by Urdu giants like Ghalib, Faiz, and Nazir Akbarabadi, his verses, such as "विरासत-ए-ज़फ़र का ये अंजाम देखिए" and "खामोशियों का शोर," fuse personal reflection with societal critique, offering both solace and commentary. His prose is equally powerful, spanning environmental concerns, political satire, and calls for unity, resonating widely on platforms like X. Vishal’s dedication to society shines through his diverse roles. As Vice-Chairman of Hindustani Biradari, he champions communal harmony, countering divisive narratives with appeals for peace. As Secretary of the Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber, he strengthens the city’s tourism ecosystem, ensuring its heritage—tangible and intangible—thrives. His work on Agra’s Heritage and History Conservation Committee reflects his commitment to preserving the city’s past, from Mughal marvels to forgotten tales, while his active role in civil society amplifies grassroots concerns. A Cyber Security Consultant by profession, Vishal safeguards digital frontiers, a role that aligns with his critiques of online toxicity. His editorial oversight of Agra24.in and other portals merges his journalism with tech-savvy insight, delivering real-time updates to a global audience. Whether exposing institutional opacity or celebrating cultural milestones, his pen remains a tool for truth. A photography and travel enthusiast, Vishal is fond of long drives across the country, capturing India’s diverse landscapes through his lens. He holds a special love for Rajasthan, where the vibrant culture and rugged beauty inspire him, and often unwinds on jungle safaris, with Sariska being his favorite retreat to reconnect with nature. In Lucknow, he balances his public endeavors with a private life of warmth and stability. A devoted husband and doting father, he draws strength from his family, rooting his activism in personal values. From conserving Agra’s heritage to dissecting global economics, Vishal Sharma stands as a modern polymath—a journalist of conscience, a poet of the people, and a guardian of culture and justice, leaving an indelible mark on India’s intellectual and social fabric.