Vaishno Devi Yatra: Big Gift for Devotees Ahead of Navratri, Journey to Begin from This Date

National News: There is great news for the devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, which was postponed for the last 17 days, is now going to start once again. It has been decided to resume temporarily before Navratri due to repair and maintenance work on the route leading to bad weather and the holy cave. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has announced that the yatra will start on 14 September (Sunday). During this time, devotees will now be able to reach Katra without any hindrance to visit Mata.

Why was the Yatra stopped?

On August 26, there was a horrific incident of cloudburst near Adhkuwari, located in the Trikuta hills of the Katra area. 34 devotees were killed in this accident. More than 20 people were injured. Due to heavy landslides and damage to the roads, the Yatra was suspended on the same day till further orders. The Shrine Board then started large-scale repair and security work to make the route safe. Now most of the repair work has been completed, after which it was decided to resume the journey.

Shrine Board issued guidelines

The Shrine Board has issued some important instructions, keeping in mind the safety and convenience of the pilgrims:

• Valid identity card mandatory: Devotees must carry valid identity cards during the journey.
• Follow the prescribed route: Pilgrims should use only the prescribed routes and follow the instructions of the security personnel.
• RFID-based tracking card: It will be mandatory for every pilgrim to wear an RFID tracking card during the journey.

Online services:

• The website www.maavaishnodevi.org can be used for live updates
• booking services
• helpline information

The Shrine Board expressed special gratitude to the devotees for showing patience and cooperation during the suspension of the journey.

Auspicious signs before Navratri

Every year during Navratri, lakhs of devotees reach Katra to visit Mata Vaishno Devi. This time too, a large number of devotees are expected to come. After the start of the Yatra on September 14, devotees will be able to have darshan of Mata in a safe and systematic manner. The Shrine Board and the administration have made special preparations in view of Navratri.

Appeal to the devotees

The Shrine Board has requested all the devotees to:

• Follow the safety rules during the Yatra.
• Cooperate with the administration and ground staff.
• Avoid unnecessary crowding and jostling.
• And contact the helpline for any problem.

The resumption of Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra after a wait of 17 days is the biggest gift for the devotees before Navratri. This decision is relief news for millions of devotees who were eager to have darshan of Mata. Now once again the atmosphere will reverberate with the chants of Mata from Katra to the cave and devotees will be able to attend the court of Mata Rani with full devotion and faith.