Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra remains suspended for eighth consecutive day amidst fresh rainfall
Katra 02 September :- The sacred pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra in Reasi District remains suspended for the eighth consecutive day on Tuesday, as inclement weather continues to disrupt the journey of devotees.
The brief respite of clear skies witnessed on Monday was short-lived, as Tuesday morning brought a fresh spell of rain to the region. According to reports received until the time of filing this report, rainfall had commenced in several areas, including the Southern Diode (a key point on the pilgrimage route) and other locations.
The Trikuta mountain range, home to the shrine, was also shrouded in heavy cloud cover, painting a grim picture for the immediate resumption of the yatra.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had already issued an advisory warning of continued rainfall in the region until September 3.
Citing this alert and prioritizing pilgrim safety, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) decided to keep the yatra suspended on Tuesday. The precarious weather conditions, including the risk of landslides and slippery tracks, make the steep and mountainous trek extremely hazardous for pilgrims.
In light of the prolonged closure yesterday , the Shrine Board recognizing the inconvenience caused, the board has stated that it will provide a 100% refund for all online bookings made for the pilgrimage during this period of suspension. This move is aimed at easing the financial burden on pilgrims who had planned their journey well in advance.
The impact of the adverse weather is being felt beyond the pilgrimage. As a precautionary measure, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered the closure of all government and private schools in the Jammu region for Tuesday as well, ensuring the safety of students.
The Shrine Board officials have urged potential pilgrims to constantly monitor the official SMVDSB website and official Sources for real-time updates on the status of the yatra. They have advised against traveling to the base camp in Katra until the weather conditions stabilize significantly and a formal announcement regarding the restart of the pilgrimage is made. The authorities have reiterated that the safety of the devotees is their paramount concern.