Vaishno Devi Yatra resumes after 7-day suspension; thousands of devotees return to holy shrine
New Delhi, July 25
The annual pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi resumed on Saturday after remaining suspended for seven consecutive days, bringing relief and joy to thousands of devotees who had been waiting in Katra for the yatra to reopen.
The resumption of the pilgrimage witnessed a massive influx of pilgrims, with more than 10,000 devotees gathering at Counter No. 2 to obtain their mandatory RFID cards before beginning the trek to the revered shrine. Long queues were seen from the early hours of the morning as devotees patiently waited for their turn.
Despite the heavy rush, personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) managed the crowds and ensured that the registration process and movement of pilgrims remained smooth and orderly.
Light rain continued to fall across Katra throughout the day, creating pleasant weather conditions. Security personnel remained deployed despite the rain, assisting devotees and maintaining law and order as chants of "Jai Mata Di" echoed through the town.
Many pilgrims expressed happiness after finally receiving an opportunity to undertake the sacred journey following days of uncertainty.
One devotee from Haryana said, "We have come from Rohtak, Haryana. We waited here for 15 days, and today we finally had the opportunity to have Mata Rani's darshan. We are extremely happy..."
Another pilgrim described the experience as unforgettable, saying, "This will be the most memorable trip of my life. I have visited Mata Rani's shrine 15 times before, but this visit will remain the most unforgettable. There are no words to describe my happiness..."
A third devotee, who had been waiting in Katra for several days, said, "There is a huge rush here. I arrived here on the 21st, and my return journey is scheduled for the 26th. By Mata Rani's blessings, I am now finally able to have her darshan. I never thought the pilgrimage would actually resume..."
The reopening of the pilgrimage has brought renewed enthusiasm among devotees who had remained stranded in Katra during the suspension. With thousands now proceeding towards the shrine, authorities have maintained heightened security and crowd management measures to facilitate a safe and orderly pilgrimage.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is one of India's most revered pilgrimage destinations, attracting millions of devotees every year. The resumption of the yatra after a week-long suspension has restored normal movement of pilgrims, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage in the coming days.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Waited 15 days for darshan? That's true devotion. We hear a lot about people losing faith, but seeing thousands of people standing in lines, chanting, and waiting patiently for Mata Rani's blessings—this is the real India. May Mata bless everyone with peace and prosperity. 🌸
It's heartwarming to see the resilience of the devotees. I'm not religious myself, but the sense of community and shared purpose here is inspiring. The authorities seem to have done a good job balancing safety with spiritual needs. Hope the rain doesn't cause any issues for the elderly pilgrims.
While I'm glad the yatra has resumed, we must ask: why was it suspended for 7 days without clear communication? Many people from faraway states had already booked tickets and accommodation. The administration needs to be more transparent about the reasons next time. Devotees' time and money matter too.
Visited Vaishno Devi last year—such a transformative experience! The energy there is incredible. So happy for all the pilgrims who finally got their chance. That devotee who said it was his most memorable visit despite 15 previous trips—I totally understand that feeling. Every visit to Mata Rani feels new. 🙏
The sight of thousands chanting 'Jai Mata Di' in the rain is pure magic. We need more stories like this—of faith, patience, and community—instead of all the negativity in the news. The authorities should consider increasing the capacity or extending the yatra period to accommodate more devotees during peak times.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.