Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the sacred Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine, nestled in the picturesque Trikuta hills of Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. His visit coincided with the vibrant celebrations of Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, drawing devotees from across India and beyond. Sinha offered prayers for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the occasion.
“On the auspicious occasion of Maha Ashtami, I extend heartfelt greetings to all. I offered prayers at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple today, seeking happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health for all citizens,” Sinha shared on X, capturing the essence of his visit during this sacred time.
The Navratri festival, observed from September 22 to October 1, 2025, holds immense importance at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, one of India’s holiest pilgrimage sites. This year, the shrine has witnessed an impressive footfall, with over 1.35 lakh devotees paying their respects during the festival. On the ninth day, devotees worshipped Maa Mahagauri, the embodiment of purity and serenity, adding to the spiritual fervor.
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The pilgrimage has been running smoothly, with Katra—the base camp for the shrine—alive with devotion. The air resonates with chants of “Jai Mata Di,” soulful bhajans, and the rhythmic steps of pilgrims making their way along the twin routes to the Bhawan, where the temple is located. The entire area, adorned with dazzling lights and vibrant floral decorations, exudes a festive and spiritual charm that captivates visitors.
Security has been a top priority during Navratri, with a robust multi-tier grid in place. Police, CRPF, paramilitary forces, and quick-response teams are stationed along the routes and at key points to ensure the safety of pilgrims. This heightened vigilance allows devotees to focus on their spiritual journey without concern.
The shrine’s operations faced a setback earlier this year when a tragic landslide, triggered by heavy rains on August 26, claimed 34 lives and injured 20 others. The disaster led to a 22-day suspension of the yatra. However, since its resumption on September 17, the pilgrimage has regained momentum, with devotees flocking to seek the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi.
The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, revered for its divine energy, continues to be a beacon of faith and devotion. Pilgrims, undeterred by challenges, arrive in Katra from far and wide, drawn by the promise of spiritual fulfillment. The ongoing Navratri celebrations have only amplified the shrine’s allure, making it a focal point of reverence and festivity in 2025.
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