Devotees at Banganga Darshani Gate as Vaishno Devi yatra resumes after 22 days
Katra, Sept 17: Amid chants of ‘Jai Mata Di’, the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage resumed today after a 22-day suspension caused by a devastating landslide that left 34 people dead and 20 injured in Reasi district, officials confirmed.
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The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) announced that the yatra resumed this morning, subject to favourable weather conditions. Hundreds of pilgrims who had been camping in Katra – the base camp – gathered at Banganga Darshani Gate, expressing relief and gratitude over the reopening.
Yatra Resumes with Safety Guidelines
The yatra began at 6 a.m. on both tracks leading to the shrine after temporary suspension for track maintenance and safety inspections. RFID-based tracking remains mandatory for all pilgrims, ensuring transparency and traceability.
Officials urged devotees to carry valid identification, follow designated pathways and cooperate with on-ground staff. The board thanked pilgrims for their patience and emphasized that safety and sanctity will remain top priority.
Pilgrims Express Relief
“We are extremely happy that the yatra has resumed. We came from Pune two days ago and though the wait was difficult, we were sure we would have ‘darshan’ before returning home,” said a woman pilgrim from Maharashtra. Many termed the day “a blessing and a reaffirmation of faith.”
Navratri Rush Expected
With the path declared safe, officials expect a sharp rise in footfall during the upcoming Navratri festival (Sept 22 – Oct 1). The board has appealed to devotees to follow safety guidelines and rely only on official communication channels for updates.
The pilgrimage had been suspended on August 26, hours before a landslide struck the route leading to the shrine, resulting in heavy loss of life.
Source: Agencies
Labels: Vaishno Devi, Pilgrimage, Reasi
Tags: #MataVaishnoDevi #Katra #Pilgrimage #JammuKashmir #Navratri
Disclaimer: This article is based on agency inputs. Jammu News Portal is not responsible for the accuracy of external content.
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