Over 2 lakh devotees visit Vaishno Devi shrine in 6 days of Navratri

The revered Vaishno Devi Shrine has witnessed a massive surge in pilgrim footfall during the ongoing Navratri, with more than two lakh devotees offering prayers in the first six days.According to officials the yatra is proceeding smoothly despite the heavy rush, with extensive arrangements in place to manage the continuous inflow of pilgrims. The base camp at Katra and the track leading to the Bhawan have remained crowded round the clock as devotees continue to arrive in large numbers.

#WATCH | Katra, Jammu & Kashmir: The holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is witnessing a massive surge of pilgrims paying obeisance during the first six days of the ongoing Chaitra Navratri festival. pic.twitter.com/Z00JP3KN45

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2026

Authorities had temporarily suspended registration for the pilgrimage on March 21 as a precautionary step to manage the overwhelming turnout. The process resumed early on March 22 after improved crowd control measures were put in place, ensuring the safe and orderly movement of pilgrims.A steady stream of devotees continues to reach Katra, reflecting strong faith and enthusiasm during the auspicious festival period. The surge is attributed to the ongoing Chaitra Navratri, which traditionally draws thousands seeking blessings.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has ramped up facilities, including security, sanitation, medical services, and crowd management systems to handle the increased footfall. Additional personnel have been deployed along the route to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience.Authorities have urged devotees to adhere to guidelines and cooperate with officials to maintain orderly movement along the yatra route.Despite the heavy inflow, the pilgrimage continues in a well-regulated manner, with officials maintaining strict oversight. With Navratri still underway, the number of pilgrims is expected to rise further in the coming days.