Katra January 01, 2026:- The dawn of the New Year has brought a massive surge of devotees to the holy town of Katra, the base camp for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. Pilgrims from across India and abroad have descended upon the region, filling the air with chants of “Jai Mata Di.”
According to official data, approximately 35,000 pilgrims had already commenced their trek toward the Bhawan by 3:00 PM on Thursday. To manage the high volume of visitors, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and local administration have moved into “alert mode,” deploying additional security personnel and implementing strict crowd management and traffic control protocols to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.
Reflecting on the previous year’s statistics, the Shrine Board revealed that a total of 69,78,806 devotees visited the cave shrine throughout 2025. This nearly seven-million mark underscores the unwavering faith of pilgrims despite various seasonal challenges.
In light of the current winter rush, authorities have issued an advisory urging travelers to follow all safety regulations and stay updated on weather conditions. Enhanced medical facilities, battery-car services, and disaster management teams have been stationed along the tracks to handle the influx and provide immediate assistance to those navigating the hilly terrain during the New Year festivities.
