JAMMU: Amid chants of “Jai Mata Di,” the pilgrimage to the holy Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hills resumed on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, after remaining suspended for 22 days following a devastating landslide that claimed 34 lives and left 20 injured, officials said.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) announced the reopening of the yatra this morning, subject to favourable weather conditions. The decision brought immense relief to hundreds of devotees who had been waiting in Katra, the base camp for the pilgrimage.
In the early hours, large groups of pilgrims gathered at the Banganga Darshani Gate—the starting point of the yatra—celebrating the resumption of the sacred journey. Shrine board officials confirmed that the yatra began at 6 a.m. via both routes to the hilltop shrine, following essential track repairs and safety checks.
Pilgrims have been advised to carry valid identification, use designated pathways, and fully cooperate with ground staff. The board added that RFID-based tracking will continue to be mandatory for transparency and safety.
Expressing gratitude for devotees’ patience during the suspension, a board official said, “The resumption of the yatra reaffirms our collective faith and resilience. We remain committed to ensuring the sanctity, safety, and dignity of this revered pilgrimage.”
Many pilgrims described the reopening as a moment of joy and blessing. A woman from Pune, part of a group from Maharashtra, said, “We reached the base camp two days ago and the wait was difficult, but we were confident we would have darshan before returning home.”
The shrine board has urged all pilgrims to follow safety guidelines and stay updated through official channels. With the route now declared safe, authorities expect a significant rise in pilgrim numbers, particularly during the upcoming Navratri festival from September 22 to October 1.
The yatra had been suspended on August 26, just hours before a massive landslide struck the route, resulting in tragic loss of life.
