Jammu, 26-12-2023 : The sacred pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji has set a remarkable record this year, witnessing the arrival of 93.68 lakh pilgrims, marking the highest number in the past decade. The authorities are optimistic that this number could further rise to 95.5 lakh or even 96 lakh by the year’s end.
As of the latest update in 2023, 83.68 lakh devotees have paid their obeisance to Goddess Vaishno Devi in the Trikuta hills of Katra in Reasi district. This surpasses the highest yatra recorded in the last decade, which stood at 93.24 lakh in 2013, marking a significant milestone, as shared by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) CEO Anshul Garg with Excelsior.
Looking back, the pilgrimage registration process underwent changes in 2013, transitioning from group issuances to individual counts. The historical data reveals that the peak pilgrimage journey occurred in 2012, with a staggering 1,04,09,569 devotees, followed closely by 1,01,15,647 in 2011.
On a daily basis, an impressive number of devotees, ranging between 37,000 and 44,000, embark on the trek to the sacred shrine. Authorities anticipate that this figure might escalate to 50,000 by the conclusion of the year. With this surge in pilgrims, the focus is on effective crowd management, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board CEO Anshul Garg assures the implementation of robust crowd management systems.
The emphasis on crowd control becomes crucial towards the year-end, as a significant influx of pilgrims is expected during this period. Adequate arrangements have been meticulously planned for efficient queue management and the darshan of pilgrims visiting the cave shrine on New Year’s Eve.
The introduction of the Skywalk has proven to be instrumental in managing the increasing crowds. In addition to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, comprehensive facilities have been arranged for pilgrims at various points along the Katra-Bhawan track, including Katra, Adh-Kunwari, and Bhairon Ghati.
The shrine has witnessed several recent enhancements in its facilities, including the inauguration of the Skywalk at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan and the remodeled Parvati Bhavan in October. Further augmenting the infrastructure, the shrine base camp in Katra now features a state-of-the-art call center operating round-the-clock, managing nearly 2,500 calls daily from pilgrims worldwide.
In a significant development, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched a ‘live darshan’ facility for devotees in October, enhancing the spiritual experience for those unable to make the physical journey to the shrine. The cumulative efforts and enhancements aim to make the pilgrimage experience smoother and more spiritually fulfilling for the devotees, aligning with the traditions and significance of Mata Vaishno Devi’s sacred abode.