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The Amarnath Yatra 2023: Health Advisory and Guidelines for the Pilgrimage
The Amarnath Yatra is a religious journey undertaken by devotees of Shiva, the Hindu deity associated with destruction. This pilgrimage is organized by the Jammu Kashmir Government during the month of Shravan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar. Pilgrims who participate in the Amarnath Yatra face various challenges, including harsh weather conditions and difficult climbs throughout the journey.
The trek begins in the town of Pahalgam, and pilgrims are treated to breathtaking scenery as they make their way uphill toward the Amarnath Cave. The shrine is typically covered in snow throughout the year, except for the months of June, July, and August, when it remains open to visitors.
Recent reports state that the annual 62-day pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,880 meters in the South Kashmir Himalayas, will take place from July 1st to August 31st. In light of this, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) has issued a health advisory and declared guidelines for the pilgrimage.
The board has expressed concern about high altitude sickness, which can be severe and even fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms of high altitude sickness include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, visual impairment, bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, and loss of appetite.
Increased heart rate, gradual loss of consciousness drowsiness, chest tightness, fullness, congestion, fast breathing, and paralysis on one side of the body are also possible.
To ensure the well-being of the pilgrims, the SASB has shared a list of permitted and prohibited food items during the yatra. It is mandatory for langar organizations, food stalls, shops, and other establishments in the Yatra area to serve or sell only the prescribed food items to the pilgrims and service providers. Plain water should be made available in large quantities to prevent dehydration.
Here is a complete list of the allowed and restricted food items according to the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board:
Allowed food items:
-Glucose (in standard packet form), mineral water, herbal tea, coffee, low-fat yogurt, low-fat milk, fruit juice, vegetable soup, syrup, lemon squash/water, sprouted grains, green vegetables, cereals, pulses, potatoes, greens, soya chunks, gram flour curry, plain lentils, green salads, and fruits.
-Also allowed are khichdi, plain rice, nutrela rice, jeera rice, kheer (rice/sago), white oats (porridge), figs, low-fat milk vermicelli, honey, roasted papad, khakhra, til laddoo, dhokla, rewari, puffed rice, dried petha, amla marmalade, fruit marmalade, chikki, boiled sweets, raisins, apricots, other dry fruits (roasted/raw only), and green coconut.
- In addition, roti, missi roti, maize roti (without oil/butter), dal roti, tandoori roti, bread/kulcha/double roti, rusk, roasted gram and jaggery, sambar, idli, uttapam, poha, vegetable sandwich (without cream/butter/cheese), bread jam, steamed dumplings (vegetable momos), chocolates, biscuits, and Kashmiri naan (girda) are permitted.
Restricted food items:
-Spicy pulao/fried rice, liquor, pan masala, smoking, tobacco, gutka, all non-vegetarian food, cold drinks, moan, halwa, jalebi, rasgulla, gulab jamun, khoya barfi, laddoos, and all other confectionery items, pakodas, samosas, fried dry fruits, crunchy snacks (high in fat and salt) such as chips/Kurkure, matthi, namkeen mixture, and all other deep-fried items.
-Additionally, pori, bathura, pizza, burger, stuffed parantha, dosa, fried roti, bread with butter, cream-based foods, pickle, chutney, fried papad, chowmein, and all other fried/fast food items are restricted.
It is important for all pilgrims and service providers to adhere to these guidelines and prioritize the health and well-being of everyone participating in the Amarnath Yatra.
