States » NorthPosted at: Oct 20 2026 10:31PM


J&K: Over 4 lakh Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims pay obeisance in Navratra

Jammu, Oct 20 (UNI) More than four lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine during the nine-day-long Shardiya Navratras.
The Shat Chandi Maha Yagya, organised by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) also concluded with spiritual fervour and devotion on Mahanavami.
The Purnahuti ceremony was performed amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras, invoking divine blessings for universal peace, prosperity and the well-being of all.
Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, along with senior officers and staff of the Shrine Board besides, a large number of pilgrims participated in the concluding rituals.
An average of over 40,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Holy Shrine daily during the Navratras, taking the cumulative number of pilgrims to over 4 lakh since the commencement of the Navratra.
This marks a significant increase over the approximately 1.78 lakh pilgrims who visited the Holy Shrine during the corresponding period of last year's Shardiya Navratras, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and devotion among pilgrims.
To facilitate a smooth, safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage, the Shrine Board put in place elaborate arrangements for the convenience of devotees.
Official spokesman here said that the dedicated help desks were established at key locations along the track to provide guidance and assistance. Arrangements were strengthened to ensure uninterrupted water and power supply along the tracks and at Bhawan, alongside enhanced sanitation, hygiene and cleanliness measures.
Special fasting meals were also made available at the Shrine Board's Bhojanalyas and Langars to meet the dietary requirements of devotees observing fasts during Navratras.
A significant addition to the pilgrim infrastructure this year was the New Vaishnavi Bhawan at Bhawan, inaugurated in May 2026 by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, JK-UT, who is also Chairman, SMVDSB.
The facility has augmented accommodation capacity at Bhawan while further enhancing the range and quality of amenities available to pilgrims. Designed to provide a modern, comfortable and efficient environment, the facility represents an important step towards strengthening pilgrimage infrastructure in response to the growing number of devotees, he said.
Notably, the Shrine Board continues to reaffirm its commitment to preserving the spiritual traditions and sanctity of the Holy Shrine while providing safe, comfortable and enriching pilgrimage facilities to devotees. UNI VBH CDS
Tags: #J&K: Over 4 lakh Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims pay obeisance in Navratra
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