Jammu: The Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in the Trikuta hills of Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, is proceeding smoothly, with over 1.25 lakh devotees having paid obeisance at the shrine during the first week of Navratri.
Observed from September 22 to October 1, Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga and sees one of the highest footfalls at the Vaishno Devi temple during this period.
“The yatra is progressing smoothly, with large numbers of pilgrims visiting the temple daily. So far, 1,25,645 devotees have registered for darshan as of Sunday night,” a Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) official said.
Amid chants and devotional bhajans echoing through Katra, the pilgrimage base, devotees continue to arrive from across India and abroad to seek the deity’s blessings. The town, twin routes, and Bhawan temple area, adorned with lights and flowers, are buzzing with spiritual energy and festive cheer as the nine-day Shardiya Navratri began under multi-tier security on September 22.
Elaborate arrangements by the Shrine Board aim to ensure a smooth and comfortable yatra. Volunteers have been deployed to guide pilgrims, manage the rush, and maintain smooth movement along the 13-km route. This year, wireless communication sets have been introduced to enhance coordination, while a multi-tier security grid involving police, CRPF, other paramilitary forces, and quick-response teams (QRTs) remains in place throughout the festival.
The pilgrimage had resumed on September 17 after a 22-day suspension caused by a devastating landslide on August 26, triggered by torrential rains, which claimed 34 lives and injured 20 others.
