The pilgrimage has resumed after a 22-day hiatus. The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, located in the Trikuta Hills of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir, resumed on Wednesday amid loud chants of “Jai Mata Di” from devotees.
Devotees have been thronging the shrine since this morning, visibly elated. According to officials, the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage was suspended for 22 days following a massive landslide that killed 34 people and injured 20.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) announced the resumption of the pilgrimage this morning, citing favorable weather. This news brought smiles to the faces of Mata’s devotees, especially those camped in the town of Katra. Katra is the base camp for the pilgrimage. The Shrine Board expressed gratitude to devotees for their patience and cooperation during the suspension of the pilgrimage. Officials said the pilgrimage, which was temporarily halted due to bad weather and road repairs, resumed on both routes at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. The Shrine Board advised devotees to carry valid identity cards, follow designated routes, and cooperate with ground staff. Furthermore, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based tracking will be mandatory to ensure security and transparency.
