The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir has resumed after a temporary suspension caused by an overwhelming surge in devotees during the ongoing Chaitra Navratri festival. Authorities briefly halted the yatra to manage the crowd at the Bhawan area and ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Officials confirmed that the pilgrimage restarted on Sunday morning, with registration facilities reopening at the base camp in Katra. The suspension was imposed after nearly 39,000 devotees visited the shrine in a single day, leading to congestion at key points along the route.
Since the beginning of Chaitra Navratri on March 19, the shrine has witnessed an exceptional turnout, with close to one lakh pilgrims offering prayers so far. Thousands of additional devotees continue to arrive, reflecting the spiritual significance of the festival.
Pilgrims have been seen chanting devotional slogans and trekking along the route to the shrine, which is located atop the Trikuta hills. The temple परिसर has been decorated with flowers and illuminated with vibrant lighting, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Authorities have implemented multi-layered security arrangements and crowd management measures across Katra and along the pilgrimage route. These steps aim to provide a safe, smooth, and inclusive experience for all devotees, including elderly visitors and families.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has also initiated traditional धार्मिक rituals, including the Shat Chandi Maha Yagya, marking the auspicious occasion of Navratri. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the yatra proceeds without disruption in the coming days.
