Jammu: Footfall at Maa Vaishno Devi shrine rises after Holi, 20–25 thousand devotees arriving daily

March 9, 2026

As the examination season draws to a close after Holi, the number of pilgrims traveling to Mata Vaishno Devi is increasing. These days, the pilgrimage from the holy city of Katra to Bhawan is witnessing a surge of devotees. The entire route resounds with chants of Mata’s name.

While approximately 15,000 to 18,000 pilgrims were arriving in Katra daily three to four days ago, this figure has now risen to between 20,000 and 25,000. The holy Chaitra Navratri is scheduled to begin on March 19th, which is expected to increase pilgrim numbers further.

In view of the increasing number of pilgrims, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the district administration have made extensive arrangements for security, medical care, drinking water, food, and other essential amenities. Currently, there is a steady flow of pilgrims from Katra to Bhawan.

After paying obeisance to Mata, devotees are completing their pilgrimage by paying obeisance at the feet of Baba Bhairavnath. The weather remained normal on Sunday as well. During the Yatra, helicopter, battery car, ropeway service, horse, porter, and palanquin facilities are being continuously made available to the devotees.

After getting registered, the devotees are leaving for the Bhawan along with their families. On March 6, 23,500 devotees had darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi. On March 7, this number increased to 25,600. By 5 pm on Sunday, about 16,000 devotees had registered and left for the Bhawan.