Reasi, Sept 17, KNT: The pilgrimage to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills resumed on Wednesday after being suspended for 22 days in the aftermath of a devastating landslide that claimed 34 lives and left 20 others injured in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) announced the reopening of the yatra from this morning, subject to favourable weather conditions. The decision brought a wave of joy among thousands of devotees who had been camping in Katra, the base camp of the pilgrimage, anxiously waiting for the resumption.
As the first light of dawn broke over the town, hundreds of devotees gathered at the Banganga Darshani gate, the traditional starting point of the pilgrimage. The atmosphere reverberated with chants of ‘Jai Mata Di’ as the faithful set out on the uphill trek. Many expressed immense relief, gratitude, and a sense of spiritual fulfilment.
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Shrine officials said the yatra officially commenced at 6 am on both the tracks leading to the shrine after maintenance and clearance operations on the landslide-affected route. Essential safety checks and weather monitoring preceded the resumption. “The yatra had to be temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of pilgrims and to restore the damaged tracks. We are grateful for the patience and cooperation of devotees during this difficult period,” a shrine board official said.
In a statement, the shrine board underlined that Radio Frequency Identity Card (RFID)-based tracking remains mandatory for all pilgrims, ensuring transparency, safety, and effective monitoring. Devotees have also been advised to carry valid identification documents, follow designated pathways, and comply with instructions issued by on-ground staff.
“The resumption of the yatra marks a reaffirmation of our collective faith and resilience. The board remains fully committed to upholding the sanctity, safety, and dignity of this revered pilgrimage,” the official added.
The landslide that struck earlier this month had triggered widespread grief, prompting large-scale rescue and relief operations. Authorities undertook major restoration works on the track and reinforced safety measures, including enhanced landslide monitoring systems and improved disaster response arrangements, before giving the go-ahead for the reopening.
For many devotees, the resumption brought closure to days of uncertainty and waiting. “We are extremely happy that the yatra has resumed. We reached the base camp from Pune two days ago and it was a difficult wait, but we were sure that we are going to have a ‘darshan’ before returning home,” said a woman pilgrim from Maharashtra, who was part of a group of 15 travelers.
Pilgrims who had postponed their plans during the suspension are now expected to arrive in large numbers in the coming days. Local traders, hoteliers, and pony operators, who had suffered losses due to the suspension, have also welcomed the development, calling it a revival of livelihoods tied to the pilgrimage.
The Vaishno Devi shrine, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in the country, attracts millions of devotees annually. Nestled at an altitude of about 5,200 feet, the shrine is accessible by two steep routes from Katra, and in recent years, a ropeway and helicopter services have also been introduced to facilitate the journey.
Officials emphasized that while the yatra has resumed, safety will continue to remain the top priority. Contingency teams and medical facilities have been strengthened along the route to deal with any eventuality, they added.
The resumption of the pilgrimage is expected to significantly boost the morale of devotees and revive the spirit of collective faith that has long defined the journey to Mata Vaishno Devi. [KNT]
