JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday visited the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in the Trikuta hills of Reasi district, offering prayers for peace, prosperity, and good health in Jammu and Kashmir.
Extending greetings on Maha Ashtami, Sinha posted on X: “Offered prayers at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple today for the happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health of all citizens.”
The Navratri pilgrimage is proceeding smoothly, with officials reporting that over 1.35 lakh devotees have paid obeisance at the shrine so far. Navratri, observed from September 22 to October 1, is dedicated to Goddess Durga and sees one of the highest footfalls at the shrine. On the ninth day of the festival, devotees worshipped Maa Mahagauri.
Katra — the base camp for the shrine — along with the twin routes and the Bhawan, is glowing with lights and floral decorations. Amid chants of “Jai Mata Di”, devotional songs, and a festive atmosphere, pilgrims from across India and abroad continue to flock to the shrine.
A multi-layered security grid, including police, CRPF, paramilitary forces, and quick-response teams, has been deployed to ensure safety during the celebrations.
The yatra resumed on September 17 after being suspended for 22 days due to a landslide triggered by torrential rains on August 26, which claimed 34 lives and left 20 others injured.
