Food items such as Halwa-Poori, Dosas, Chhola Bhaturas, and Chowmein are banned during the Amarnath Yatra. Here is a list of permissible food items.

The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board has issued a health advisory for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, outlining a list of prohibited food items that could have adverse effects on the health of the pilgrims. The advisory aims to ensure the well-being of participants during the challenging 14-kilometer trek, which involves high altitudes and steep terrain.

To maintain a healthy diet during the pilgrimage, pilgrims are advised to avoid consuming cold drinks, crunchy snacks, deep-fried and fast food items, as well as heavy sweets like jalebi, halwa, pooris, and chhola bhaturas. Langar organizations, food stalls, shops, and other establishments serving food to the pilgrims and service providers must adhere to the detailed food menu prepared by the authorities.

The government has implemented several measures to prioritize the safety of the pilgrims, following the unfortunate deaths of 42 individuals during the 2022 Amarnath Yatra due to natural causes. These measures include mandatory health certificates, the installation of oxygen booths, and the establishment of hospitals at various locations along the yatra route.

Additionally, RFID tags are being utilized since last year to monitor the well-being of the yatris. The latest health advisory further emphasizes the importance of consuming the right food during the pilgrimage to maintain fitness.

Religious reasons also dictate certain dietary restrictions, such as the prohibition of non-vegetarian food, alcohol, tobacco, gutka, pan masala, smoking, and other intoxicants. Aerated cold drinks are not allowed, but pilgrims can opt for alternative beverages like herbal tea, coffee, low-fat milk, fruit juices, lemon squash, and vegetable soup along the way.

While fried rice is prohibited, normal rice and light food options like roasted chana, poha, uthappam, idli, as well as dal-roti and chocolate, are permitted. Allowed sweet items include kheer, oats, dry fruits, honey, and boiled sweets. However, heavy foods such as chhola-bhatura, pooris, pizza, burgers, dosas, chowmein, and other fried foods are not allowed en route to the Amarnath holy cave.

The food menu also restricts popular halwai items like halwa, jalebi, gulab jamun, ladoos, barfi, and rasgullas, along with crunchy snacks high in fat and salt, including Kurkure and namkeen mixtures. Pakoras and samosas are strictly prohibited as well.

Throughout the yatra area, food is made available at various langars, shops, and food stalls to cater to the needs of the pilgrims.