Katra (Reasi): Chants of ‘Jai Mata Di’ and devotional bhajans echoed through Katra, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, as hundreds of devotees thronged the decorated temple atop Trikuta Hills on the first day of Navratri on Monday.
The town in Reasi district has been lit up with sparkling lights and colourful decorations, adding to the festive spirit. Pilgrims began their journey early in the morning under multi-tier security arrangements to seek blessings of Mata Rani.
Officials said the nine-day festival began on a grand note, with nearly 10,000 devotees visiting the shrine by Monday evening. The daily footfall is expected to exceed that number throughout the festival.
“The Shrine Board has made elaborate arrangements to ensure a smooth and comfortable yatra for devotees,” said Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board CEO Sachin Kumar Vaishya. Volunteers have been deployed along the 13-km route to manage crowds, guide pilgrims, and maintain order. Drinking water points, medical stations, and crowd-control measures have been set up, while wireless communication sets have been introduced this year to improve coordination. Security has been tightened with police, CRPF, paramilitary forces, and quick-response teams deployed across the route.
Devotees, singing bhajans and chanting hymns, made their way up the decorated serpentine path to the holy Bhawan. Floral decorations added to the festive ambience, with rituals and prayers marking the start of Navratri.
For many, the visit was deeply personal. Hunamant Singh, a devotee from Garhwal, said it was his first Navratri pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi. “I come here often, but this time was special. The decorations and darshan were amazing. It was truly Mata’s call,” he said.
Simita, from Pune, shared a similar sentiment. “Mata came in my dreams and called me here. I was restless, but after darshan, I feel calm and fulfilled,” she said.
This year’s festival holds added significance as the pilgrimage had only recently resumed on September 17, following a 22-day suspension caused by a landslide on August 26 that killed 34 people and injured 20.
Meanwhile, the 43rd Chhari Yatra set off from Shri Raghunathji temple in Jammu on Monday and reached the shrine via Nagrota and Katra, where prayers were held for peace, prosperity, and relief from natural calamities.
Observed from September 22 to October 1, Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga and marks one of the busiest pilgrimage periods for the Vaishno Devi shrine.
