Jammu, March 26, 2026 : A massive spiritual surge is being witnessed at the revered Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine as lakhs of devotees throng the holy cave during the auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri.
According to officials, over 2,69,716 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the shrine till March 25, reflecting the deep faith and devotion associated with the nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Navdurga.
Daily Footfall Highlights
- March 19: 31,815 pilgrims
- March 20: 34,805 pilgrims
- March 21: 41,078 pilgrims
- March 22: 43,482 pilgrims
- March 23: 45,478 pilgrims
- March 24: 38,158 pilgrims
- March 25: 34,900 pilgrims
Devotees chanting “Jai Mata Di” can be seen trekking the 13-km yatra route from Katra to the Bhawan, creating an atmosphere filled with devotion and उत्साह.
Arrangements & Security
To manage the overwhelming rush:
- Pilgrim registration was briefly suspended twice for crowd control
- Multi-tier security grid deployed including police, CRPF & QRTs
- Volunteers stationed along the route for assistance
- Wireless communication system introduced for better coordination
The entire yatra route, including Katra and the Bhawan area, is beautifully decorated with lights and flowers, enhancing the festive spirit.
Spiritual Significance
The sacred Shat Chandi Maha Yagya, which began on March 19, marks the spiritual commencement of Navratri at the shrine. The chanting of Vedic hymns and rituals is believed to invoke blessings of peace, prosperity, and well-being for all.
With Chaitra Navratri concluding on March 27, the shrine continues to witness an unending stream of pilgrims, making it one of the busiest and most spiritually vibrant periods of the year.
