Katra/Jammu, Sep 18: The pilgrimage to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district resumed on Thursday after a brief suspension due to inclement weather. Registration for devotees opened early morning following the shrine board’s decision to allow the yatra, which had been halted the previous evening.
The yatra had earlier faced a 22-day suspension due to landslides and continuous heavy rainfall. Officials confirmed that the yatra progressed smoothly after resuming, with the Shrine Board advising pilgrims to book helicopter services in advance.
Devotees expressed relief and gratitude. Tribhavan Deka from Assam, visiting with a seven-member group, said, “We are happy that the yatra has begun after a long suspension. Now we are confident of having darshan and seeking Mata’s blessings.” Similarly, Savitri Devi from Uttarakhand, visiting with 11 members, remarked, “It was the call of Mata for all of us to be here. Despite bad weather earlier, we are here now – it is her directive.”
The Shrine Board had initially allowed 2,500 pilgrims during the day on Wednesday before suspending the yatra again due to worsening weather conditions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates to ensure the safety of all devotees.