Navratri Festivities Begin, Pilgrims Flock to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
Devotees Flock to Vaishno Devi as Navratri Festivities Begin Amid Elaborate Arrangements
Katra (Reasi) : The first day of Navratri witnessed a surge of devotees at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta Hills, with chants of ‘Jai Mata Di’ and devotional hymns filling the air. Hundreds of pilgrims made their way to the decorated temple early Monday, seeking blessings of the deity and participating in the rituals marking the start of the nine-day festival.
The town of Katra, base camp for the revered shrine, was decked with colorful lights and floral decorations, creating a festive and spiritual ambience. Officials anticipate a daily footfall exceeding 10,000 devotees throughout Navratri. “The Shrine Board has made extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and comfortable yatra for pilgrims,” said Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
To manage the large crowds, volunteers have been deployed along the 13-km pilgrimage route, complemented by drinking water points, medical stations, and wireless communication sets to enhance coordination. A multi-tier security grid involving police, CRPF, paramilitary forces, and quick-response teams has been put in place to ensure safety.
Devotees, including first-time visitors like Hunamant Singh from Uttarakhand and Simita from Pune, expressed their joy and spiritual fulfillment after witnessing the festive decor and partaking in prayers. Singh said, “It was amazing to see the decorations and participate in the rituals. I feel blessed.” Simita added, “My dream of visiting Vaishno Devi during Navratri has come true. I feel divine calmness after darshan.”
The pilgrimage resumed on September 17, following a 22-day suspension due to a devastating landslide along the track on August 26 that claimed 34 lives and injured 20 others.
On Monday, the 43rd Chhari Yatra departed from Shri Raghunathji temple in Jammu, passing through Nagrota and Katra before reaching the shrine, offering prayers for peace, prosperity, and relief from natural calamities. Navratri, observed from September 22 to October 1, holds special significance for the Vaishno Devi shrine, drawing one of the highest pilgrim footfalls during this period.
