Jammu: The pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district will resume on Sunday after a 19-day suspension due to a deadly landslide on August 26. The incident, caused by intense monsoon rains and a possible cloudburst near Adhkuwari in the Trikuta Hills, claimed 34 lives and left 20 others injured. The suspension, the longest since COVID-19 restrictions, was ordered to prioritise safety and allow maintenance work on the damaged yatra track and commercial structures in Katra.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB) announced on X, “Jai Mata Di! The Vaishno Devi Yatra will resume from September 14 (Sunday), subject to favourable weather conditions.” Pilgrims are advised to carry valid identification, follow designated pathways, and cooperate with staff. RFID-based tracking will remain mandatory for transparency and traceability. For live updates, bookings, and support, devotees can visit www.maavaishnodevi.org.

The Board thanked devotees for their patience and affirmed its commitment to safety and the sanctity of the pilgrimage. “The resumption of the Yatra marks a reaffirmation of our collective faith and resilience,” a spokesperson said.

The August 26 landslide struck at around 3 pm, halfway along the 12-kilometre trek from Katra to the shrine. The tragedy brought renewed attention to the region’s vulnerability during the monsoon, prompting a high-level probe into weather warnings and safety protocols.

With inputs from PTI