Happy New Year 2026: Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra Registration Paused Due To Huge Rush

Jammu: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced on Wednesday that registration for the Vaishno Devi yatra has been temporarily suspended due to heavy rush of devotees on the occasion of the new year. 

According to the board, registration for the popular pilgrimage will remain closed till Thursday morning. The board announced that the yatra has been suspended in order to manage the large number of devotees and ensure smooth operations at the pilgrimage site. 

“Pilgrims are requested to check the official website for updates and avoid visiting during peak rush hours to prevent inconvenience,” the board said in a statement. 

What was the condition at religious sites on New Year’s Eve?

Earlier on Wednesday, devotees thronged prominent temples across the country on the last day of the year 2025 ahead of New Year’s Eve 2026, offering prayers and seeking divine blessings. From Jammu and Kashmir to Uttar Pradesh, places of worship witnessed a steady influx of devotees despite the cold weather. 

Situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra witnessed large crowds of devotees ahead of New Year’s Eve 2026 despite dense fog and freezing cold.

What were the arrangements for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage?

“The Vaishno Devi shrine board is continuously working to enhance facilities and arrangements for pilgrims visiting the shrine,” Chief Executive Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya said on Wednesday. 

Informing that the shrine witnessed a heavy influx of devotees ahead of the New Year celebrations, he said that adequate arrangements, including accommodation, security, and smooth darshan, have been ensured by the board.
"We are witnessing a heavy influx of devotees over the past few days which is encouraging for all of us and is expected to increase further in 2026," the CEO told media in Katra.

The Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is located atop the Trikuta hills in the Reasi district in Jammu.

However, the number of pilgrims visiting the mountain shrine dropped over 27% in 2025. The total number of pilgrims visiting the revered shrine fell below the 70-lakh mark in 2025. According to officials, more than 69 lakh pilgrims had paid obeisance at the shrine in 2025, a sharp drop from 94.84 lakh in 2024.