Navratri Rush At Vaishno Devi! Devotees Swarm Shrine On Day 1

Thousands of devotees flocked to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Sunday, marking the first day of Chaitra Navratri with fervent prayers and devotion.

The nine-day Hindu festival, dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, began with the worship of Maa Shailputri, drawing pilgrims from across India to the sacred cave atop Trikuta Hills.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) reported a massive turnout, with over 48,000 pilgrims departing from the Katra base camp since Saturday. CEO Anshul Garg noted that registration counters have been increased to manage the influx smoothly.

“We’ve seen long queues since morning, but our arrangements ensure devotees face no issues,” Garg said, highlighting enhanced facilities like round-the-clock water and power, sanitation, medical aid, and fasting food at bhojanalayas.

Security has been tightened with AI-enabled CCTV cameras and drones, especially after a recent terrorist encounter in nearby Kathua. The shrine, expecting up to 40,000 daily visitors during Navratri, has introduced free services for differently-abled pilgrims, including ponies and battery cars, alongside a new all-weather resting area at Ardhkuwari for 1,500 people.

The ‘Shat Chandi Maha Yagya’ ritual kicked off at the holy cave, telecast live daily, adding to the spiritual fervor.

Pilgrims braved the 13-kilometer trek—or opted for helicopters and ropeways—to offer prayers, undeterred by the region’s complex backdrop. With 94.83 lakh visitors in 2024, the shrine’s pull remains strong, and officials anticipate a sustained rush through Navmi.

As chants of “Jai Mata Di” echoed, the day underscored both faith and the board’s logistical muscle in handling one of India’s busiest pilgrimages.