J-K: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi yatra crosses 50 lakh pilgrim mark
Katra, June 23
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has achieved a significant milestone during the current calendar year, with the number of pilgrims paying obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine crossing the landmark figure of 50 lakh.
As of on Monday (June 22), a total of 50.70 lakh devotees have undertaken the sacred pilgrimage to seek the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.
The achievement assumes greater significance when compared with the corresponding period of the preceding year. During the same period in 2025, approximately 39.84 lakh pilgrims had visited the Holy Shrine, whereas the Yatra during the current year has recorded 50.70 lakh pilgrims, reflecting a substantial increase of 10.86 lakh devotees. The remarkable growth in pilgrim footfall is a testimony to the unwavering faith and devotion of pilgrims from across the country and abroad towards the revered Shrine.
The sustained increase in the number of pilgrims also reflects the confidence reposed by devotees in the arrangements made by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders associated with the management of the Yatra.
Under the Chairmanship of Manoj Sinha, Lt. Governor, JK-UT, the Shrine Board has undertaken extensive measures to facilitate a smooth, safe and comfortable pilgrimage experience for devotees. Continuous improvements in infrastructure, accommodation facilities, sanitation, crowd management systems, healthcare services, battery car operations, ropeway services, disaster management preparedness and digital initiatives have significantly enhanced pilgrim convenience and overall service delivery.
The crossing of the 50-lakh mark at this stage of the year is indicative of the growing enthusiasm among devotees and augurs well for the continued progress of the Yatra during the remaining months of the year.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see the numbers rising! My family visited last year and the online booking system was so smooth. The digitisation really helps—no more standing in long queues at Katra. Still, more rest stops for elderly pilgrims would be nice.
Faith is truly powerful. But can we also talk about the environmental challenges? Thousands of pilgrims daily leave behind plastic and waste. I wish the Shrine Board would focus equally on sustainability and not just infrastructure. Green yatra should be the goal now.
I visited last year as a tourist from the US. The organisation is impressive—cops at every corner, clean toilets, and even free food. India really knows how to handle big pilgrimages. The faith here is infectious even for a non-Hindu like me. 😊
Mata Rani ka ashirwad hai 🙏 But I noticed the article didn't mention the langar facilities. The free food by volunteers is also a big reason why so many can undertake the yatra without worry. Would have been nice to acknowledge their seva too.
Good to see the Shrine Board working under L-G Manoj Sinha. The increased security post-2019 was a concern for many, but the numbers show people feel safe. Personally, I think the improved road connectivity from Jammu to Katra is a game-changer.
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