Jammu: The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, will resume on Sunday after a 19-day suspension, officials announced.
The yatra was temporarily halted following a landslide on August 26 that claimed 34 lives and injured 20 others.
“Jai Mata Di! The Vaishno Devi Yatra will recommence from September 14 (Sunday), subject to favourable weather conditions. For details and bookings, please visit www.maavaishnodevi.org,” the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB) announced on X.
The Board explained that the suspension was necessary due to adverse weather and essential maintenance of the track leading to the shrine. The pilgrimage will resume as scheduled, provided conditions remain safe.
SMVDB officials advised pilgrims to carry valid identification, follow designated pathways, and cooperate with on-site staff. “RFID-based tracking will remain mandatory for transparency and traceability. For live updates, booking services, and helpline support, devotees are encouraged to visit the Shrine Board’s official website: www.maavaishnodevi.org,” they added.
The Shrine Board expressed gratitude to devotees for their patience and understanding during the suspension period. “The resumption of the yatra reaffirms our collective faith and resilience. The Board remains committed to ensuring the sanctity, safety, and dignity of this revered pilgrimage,” said a spokesperson.
This suspension was the longest since COVID-19 restrictions, with authorities prioritising pilgrim safety and completing restoration work on the damaged track and commercial structures in Katra.
The cloudburst-induced landslide occurred at Adhkuwari in the Trikuta Hills of the Katra belt, prompting the immediate suspension of the yatra.
