Vaishno Devi Yatra suspended: Crucial update for pilgrims

Jammu: The Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage was temporarily suspended on Saturday due to a massive rush of devotees at the Bhawan, officials said. Over 39,000 pilgrims offered prayers at the cave shrine atop Trikuta Hills in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, prompting authorities to halt the yatra for safety and crowd management.

The surge in devotees comes amid Chaitra Navratri 2026, which began on March 19 and will conclude on March 27. The shrine board anticipates continued heavy footfall from across India throughout the festival period.

Yatra suspension and resumption

A shrine board official stated, “The yatra has been suspended temporarily due to heavy rush at Bhawan.” Police vehicles informed pilgrims that fresh registration for the pilgrimage would resume at 4 am on Sunday. Pilgrims were advised to return to their hotels during the suspension.

Despite the halt, more than 10,000 registered devotees remain en route to the cave shrine, officials added. Hundreds of pilgrims, chanting ‘Jai Mata Di’, were seen trekking along the pathway to seek the deity’s blessings on the third day of Navratri.

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Enhanced security and arrangements for devotees

Authorities have implemented multi-tier security measures at the Katra base camp and along the trekking route to ensure a safe and secure pilgrimage. The shrine board has also put in place comprehensive pilgrim-centric arrangements, including crowd management, medical support, and guidance services, to facilitate a smooth yatra experience.

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The sacred Shat Chandi Maha Yagya, which began on Thursday, marks the auspicious commencement of Chaitra Navratri. Devotees participate in Vedic rituals and chants at the holy cave, believed to invoke blessings of peace, prosperity, and well-being for all humanity.

With the ongoing festival, the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine continues to witness record pilgrim footfall, reinforcing its status as one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations.

IANS