Jammu, May 14 (KNO): The tension between India and Pakistan had impacted the pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) shrine. However, following the recent ceasefire and reduction in hostilities, devotees are gradually returning to the world-famous pilgrimage site, Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, although numbers remain modest.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB) has announced several measures to facilitate pilgrims, including free Aarti Darshan and accommodation.
As per the figures accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), on May 6, a total of 12,917 pilgrims arrived from across the country.
The day prior, May 7, coinciding with India’s Operation Sindoor, saw 12,760 devotees visit Katra for darshan. Subsequently, the number of visitors declined over the following days: 8,670 on May 8; 3,962 on May 9; 1,352 on May 10; 1,303 on May 11; 1,658 on May 12; and 2,808 on May 13. By 3:00 pm on May 14, approximately 3,300 devotees had registered and departed for Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, with more arriving continuously.
With the easing of tensions, devotees are beginning to return to the pilgrimage, aided by the Shrine Board’s efforts to provide free facilities from the base camp at Katra to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. This initiative aims to encourage more pilgrims to undertake the journey.
Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, said the number of pilgrims is increasing as the situation improves. “As the security situation gets better, the number of devotees is also rising. Jammu Airport has resumed operations, including civilian flights and helicopter services," he said, adding, "We are also facilitating air travel through both online bookings and counters. All services are being maintained to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience, and we expect the numbers to grow in the coming days.”
Garg further added, “We have implemented comprehensive security arrangements along the route from Katra to the Bhawan, under the supervision of police and CRPF. Our CCTV surveillance systems and Integrated Command and Control Centre are operational."
Based on the recommendations from joint security reviews, we are working diligently to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for all pilgrims, the CEO said, adding that to encourage participation during the current lower attendance, they are offering free walk-in services for Garbhjoon Aarti and Attaka Aarti on a first-come, first-served basis.
Anshul Garg said the safety of pilgrims remains a priority. “Security arrangements are robust across Katra and along the entire route. We are committed to providing a secure environment so that devotees can enjoy their pilgrimage without concern," he said.
Locals said that while there has been some activity during the early morning and evening Aarti sessions, much of the daytime remains quiet, with many shops on the Bhawan road and in Katra closed due to the decreased footfall. The ongoing decline in pilgrims has affected local businesses, but the community continues to hope for an increase in devotees.
The SMVDB, along with the tourism department, hotel and restaurant associations, and local businesses, remains actively engaged in restoring the pilgrimage’s usual vibrancy. It is anticipated that in the days ahead, the number of pilgrims will rise, which will revitalise the spiritual and economic life around Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, the route and Katra—(KNO)