Morari Bapu to halt Ram Katha in Kashmir after 35 years over Pahalgam terror attack

In a deeply emotional move, spiritual leader Morari Bapu has postponed his ongoing Ram Katha in Srinagar following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 26 people including pilgrims and tourists, has cast a pall of grief over the valley. Among the victims was a family from Bhavnagar, Gujarat, who had travelled with a group of around 20 devotees specifically for the event.

Morari Bapu, who returned to Kashmir for a Ram Katha after 35 years, made the announcement on April 23 through his official trust’s X handle. The statement confirmed that Ram Katha 955 had been paused after its fifth day due to the sensitive situation in the region. “The remaining 4 days of Katha will resume when possible,” read the message, underlining the uncertain security environment.

The Bhavnagar family—Yatish Parmar, his wife Kajal, and their teenage son Smit—had joined the larger group for both the pilgrimage and sightseeing. On the day of the attack, the group had ventured to Baisaran Valley when they were targeted by terrorists in a sudden and indiscriminate shooting. Yatish and Smit tragically lost their lives, while Kajal survived the horror. Their bodies were later flown back to Ahmedabad.

In a heartfelt video message shared later, Morari Bapu paid his respects to those killed and offered spiritual condolence. “We should bow to their Nirvana... and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said with folded hands, visibly shaken by the events.

As a mark of financial and emotional support, Bapu announced a symbolic donation to the grieving families. “I will ask Arunbhai to tie a Tulsi leaf worth Rs 5 lakh to the families of these departed souls,” he said, describing it as a heartfelt gesture from the Chitrakutdham family.

The decision to suspend the Ram Katha is being seen as a responsible and sensitive response, prioritising the safety of attendees and honoring the sentiments of those affected. The event was originally seen as a hopeful turning point for spiritual engagement in the region, but the tragedy has forced a pause—one that may take time to resolve as the security situation unfolds.