Jammu, Oct 20 (KNO): More than four lakh pilgrims visited the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir during the nine-day Shardiya Navratra festival, reflecting the deep faith and devotion of devotees who undertook the pilgrimage from different parts of the country.
According to official figures, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the shrine witnessed a steady influx of pilgrims throughout the festive period, with daily footfall remaining above 30,000. The pilgrimage recorded a significant surge on October 17, when 48,470 devotees paid obeisance, the highest single-day footfall during the reported period.
The yatra began on a strong note, with 47,563 pilgrims visiting the shrine on October 11, followed by 48,400 on October 12 and 46,558 on October 13. A total of 41,961 pilgrims visited on October 14, while 39,961 and 41,921 devotees undertook the pilgrimage on October 15 and 16, respectively.
The rush continued over the next two days, with 47,669 pilgrims visiting the shrine on October 18. The footfall stood at 32,329 on October 19 and 30,552 on October 20, reflecting the sustained enthusiasm among devotees during the auspicious festival. The daily figures for October 11 to 20, as provided, add up to 4,25,384 pilgrims, although the period covers ten calendar dates.
The Shrine Board also reported that the cumulative footfall during the Navratras crossed four lakh, marking a substantial increase over approximately 1.78 lakh pilgrims who visited the Holy Shrine during the corresponding period last year.
Meanwhile, the nine-day-long Shat Chandi Maha Yagya, organised by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), concluded on Mahanavami with the Purnahuti ceremony amid the chanting of Vedic mantras. The rituals invoked divine blessings for universal peace, prosperity and the well-being of all.
Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer of SMVDSB, along with senior officers and staff of the Shrine Board and a large number of pilgrims, participated in the concluding ceremony. The Maha Yagya was performed by learned Pandits led by Padma Shri Prof Vishwamurti Shastri.
To facilitate the smooth and safe movement of pilgrims, the Shrine Board put in place elaborate arrangements along the yatra track and at Bhawan. Dedicated help desks were established at key locations to guide devotees, while measures were strengthened to ensure uninterrupted water and power supply, improved sanitation and cleanliness. Special fasting meals were also made available at the Board's Bhojanalyas and Langars for devotees observing fasts during Navratras.
The pilgrimage infrastructure received a further boost with the New Vaishnavi Bhawan at Bhawan, inaugurated in May 2026 by Manoj Sinha, the J&K Lieutenant Governor and Chairman of SMVDSB. The facility has augmented accommodation capacity and enhanced amenities for pilgrims.
The festive atmosphere at the shrine was enriched by floral decorations and thematic installations at Bhawan, Atka and adjoining areas. Devotional performances by renowned artists, including Navdeep Wadali, Sudhir Vyas, Mannat Noor, Dilbagh Singh, Milind Gaba, Malini Awasthi, Kanhaiya Mittal and Arunita Kanjilal, among others, added to the spiritual fervour. Students of SMVD Gurukul also enthralled devotees with devotional presentations.
The heavy rush of pilgrims also brought increased activity to Katra, the base camp for the yatra, where devotees make arrangements for their onward journey to the holy cave shrine.
The large turnout during Shardiya Navratras once again highlighted the enduring religious significance of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, one of the country's most prominent pilgrimage destinations. The Shrine Board reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the sanctity and spiritual traditions of the shrine while providing safe, comfortable and enriching facilities to the growing number of devotees—(KNO)