Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Resumes After Weather Halt
Devotion Returns to the Holy Path
After a brief suspension due to harsh weather conditions, the revered Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir has officially resumed, bringing relief and joy to thousands of devotees across the nation. The three-day disruption caused by heavy rainfall and landslides had halted the sacred yatra, but with improved weather and restoration of the tracks, the spiritual fervor has reignited in Katra once again.
Authorities confirmed that the yatra restarted early Thursday morning under enhanced safety protocols. Devotees were seen chanting “Jai Mata Di” as they moved along the 13-kilometer trek from Katra to the Bhawan. The shrine board emphasized that all precautionary measures, including medical camps, security forces, and resting shelters, are now fully operational.
The Shrine Board, in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, also ensured sanitation drives, maintenance of drinking water facilities, and strict crowd management to prevent congestion during the Navratri rush.
Safety First: A Coordinated Effort
The pilgrimage had been halted earlier this week following continuous landslides along the Trikuta Hills, posing a serious threat to pilgrims. Officials stated that the tracks have now been cleared and restored for safe passage. Helicopter services, which were temporarily suspended, have also been resumed with new weather monitoring equipment installed for real-time visibility updates.
The administration has deployed additional disaster response teams to sensitive zones. “Our primary focus remains the safety of every yatri. We have deployed 24/7 surveillance and are maintaining constant contact with meteorological departments,” said Ramesh Kumar, CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Special teams have been assigned to monitor the Adhkuwari and Bhairon temple routes, ensuring that pilgrims can perform their darshan without delays or hazards. These steps reflect the government’s continued emphasis on safe spiritual tourism in the Union Territory.
Economic & Cultural Impact
The resumption of the yatra also signals an economic revival for local vendors, hoteliers, and transport operators whose livelihoods depend heavily on pilgrim inflow. With Navratri just around the corner, business owners in Katra and adjoining areas expect a surge in demand for accommodation, prasad, and devotional goods.
“We were facing huge losses for three days, but now bookings are full again,” said Rajesh Sharma, a local shopkeeper near Ban Ganga. The Shrine Board also estimates that the restart could contribute significantly to the seasonal tourism revenue for the region.
Beyond economics, the pilgrimage serves as a symbol of faith and unity. Every year, devotees from all over India — irrespective of background — undertake this journey as a testament to their devotion to Goddess Vaishno Devi.
Devotees Speak: Faith Beyond Challenges
For many pilgrims, the journey to the Vaishno Devi shrine is more than a ritual; it is a deeply emotional experience. “Even the rain couldn’t stop us. We prayed for good weather, and Mata listened,” said Sunita Devi, a pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh. Many expressed gratitude to the administration for resuming services promptly and ensuring safety.
The sight of devotees with saffron headbands, singing hymns, and walking hand in hand through the scenic hills once again fills the air of Katra with devotion. The restoration of the yatra marks a reaffirmation of India’s spiritual resilience — a message that even nature’s obstacles cannot deter faith.
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