JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 12: In a significant announcement that will bring cheer to millions of devotees, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has declared the resumption of the sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Cave Shrine from Sunday, September 14. The decision, however, remains contingent upon favourable weather conditions in the Trikuta Hills.
The official communication was made through a post on the Shrine Board’s verified account on the social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).
The succinct statement, which began with the devotional salutation “Jai Mata Di,” read: “Vaishno Devi Yatra to Resume from September 14 (Sunday), subject to favourable weather conditions.”The Yatra to the revered shrine, located in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, was temporarily suspended due to Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions that posed potential risks to the safety of pilgrims trekking the mountainous routes.
The resumption signals an improvement in the situation and the administration’s confidence in ensuring a secure and smooth pilgrimage experience.The Shrine Board’s statement also directed pilgrims to the official website for all essential information and procedures.
It advised, “For details/bookings, please visit maavaishnodevi.org.” This indicates that the existing system of online registration and slot booking, which was implemented to manage crowd flow and ensure a regulated Yatra, will remain in effect.
Devotees planning to undertake the journey are advised to monitor the official website and the Shrine Board’s social media channels closely for any last-minute updates, as the final green light will depend on the weather remaining stable and conducive for travel.
The Board is known for its stringent safety protocols, especially during the monsoon season when the region is prone to landslides and slippery tracks.The resumption of the Yatra is a highly anticipated event, as the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is one of the most visited religious sites in the world, attracting over millions of pilgrims annually.
The announcement has been met with widespread relief and excitement among the faithful eager to pay their obeisance at the abode of Mata Vaishno Devi.
