Overview

• The three-day pilgrimage beginning August 20 has been limited to symbolic rites led by the Chhari, with only designated bearers and support staff allowed under district-issued registration and ID.
• Women and children are not permitted to participate this year due to safety concerns linked to recent extreme weather.
• The hazardous Chattergala route is closed, with movement restricted to the traditional Sungli–Nalthi–Drafda path in Bhaderwah.
• Officials urged devotees not to attempt to join en route as medical services, disaster response teams, shelters, water points, communications and security have been deployed at key locations.
• The administration is monitoring an adverse forecast over roughly 56 hours with the IMD, and local reports on the Kishtwar toll differ between at least 64 deaths with dozens missing and 67 dead with 88 missing.