Katra (VD) 14 September :- For the twentieth consecutive day on Sunday, the sacred pilgrimage to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine remained suspended, dashing the hopes of devotees awaiting its resumption. The decision to extend the halt was formally announced by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) through an official communication on the social media platform X.
The board’s post explicitly stated, “Due to incessant rain at Bhawan & the track, commencement of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra scheduled from 14th September stands postponed till further order,” and urgently requested pilgrims to rely solely on official channels for any future updates.
This prolonged suspension is directly attributed to severe safety concerns arising from the relentless adverse weather. The current closure finds its origin in a tragic incident on August 26, when a massive landslide, triggered by heavy afternoon rains near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari, resulted in the death of 34 individuals and left several injured.
This disaster prompted the initial suspension of the Yatra. While the Shrine Board has expressed profound gratitude for the “patience and understanding” shown by the devotee community during this challenging period, the extended closure has inevitably led to widespread disappointment among countless pilgrims.
Concurrently, the local economy, which is heavily dependent on the pilgrimage tourism ecosystem, is experiencing significant financial difficulties. The Board has reaffirmed that its paramount commitment is to safety and sanctity, noting that the eventual resumption of the Yatra will stand as a powerful “reaffirmation of our collective faith and resilience.”
