Annual Shri Amarnath Yatra is all set to begin on July 1 and will culminate on August 31. Before the advent of Yatra, in its health advisory issued by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, the authority has banned a series of food items that could prove harmful to the health of pilgrims on the arduous trek.

 

The intention behind this step is to prevent the yatri’s from consuming unhealthy foods while enduring the difficult trip over steep mountains and high altitudes.

 

It is pertinent to mention here that as many as 42 pilgrims died in year 2022 during Amarnath Yatra because of natural causes. In order to keep the pilgrims safe, the government has come up with a set of measurers such as installing oxygen booths and establishing various hospitals at various points enroute the holy cave.

 

A detailed food menu has been prepared that shall apply to Langar organisations, food stalls, shops and other establishments which come up in the yatra area to serve and sell food to the pilgrims and service providers

 

The food menu bans non-vegetarian food, alcohol, tobacco, gutka, pan masala, smoking and other intoxicants for religious reasons. It also bans aerated cold drinks, but is allowing drinks like herbal tea, coffee, low fat milk, fruit juices, lemon squash and vegetable soup en route.

 

All halwai items like halwa, jalebi, gulab jamun, ladoos, barfi and rasgullas have also been banned on the food menu along with crunchy snacks that are high in fat and salts and popular items like Kurkure and namkeen mixtures. Pakoras and samosas are a strict no-no too.

 

Food items that have been approved are steamed food and light food like roasted chana, poha, uttapam, idli, dal roti and chocolate. Kheer, oats, dry fruits, honey and boiled sweets can be consumed.

 

Food is made available at various langars at various locations en route the yatra area along with shops and food stalls that come up on the trek.