Jammu & Kashmir – After a brief pause caused by harsh weather conditions, the Vaishno Devi Yatra has officially resumed, allowing thousands of devotees to continue their spiritual journey toward the revered shrine. Officials confirmed that the pilgrimage restarted early Wednesday morning, marking the end of a three-day suspension that began on October 5.
A spokesperson for the Shrine Board announced that the Vaishno Devi Yatra recommenced with all registration counters reopening around 6 a.m. on Wednesday. This update brought immense relief and joy to devotees who had been waiting for clearance to begin their pilgrimage once again.
Pilgrims Rejoice as Vaishno Devi Yatra Restarts
Devotees arriving from various parts of India expressed their happiness and gratitude upon learning that the Vaishno Devi Yatra had resumed. Meenakshi Sharma, a 38-year-old pilgrim from Ludhiana, shared that she and her family reached Katra on Tuesday, unaware of the ongoing suspension. “We were disappointed at first, but waking up to the news that the Vaishno Devi Yatra has started again felt like a blessing,” she said, capturing the sentiments of many others who had gathered in the area.
Officials emphasized that the three-day halt was essential to ensure the safety of all pilgrims, as continuous rain and the risk of landslides had made the tracks unsafe for travel. The Vaishno Devi Yatra resumed only after authorities confirmed improved weather conditions across the Trikuta hills region.
Reason Behind Suspension of Vaishno Devi Yatra
According to the Shrine Board, the Vaishno Devi Yatra was suspended from October 5 to October 7 due to inclement weather that posed a potential risk to pilgrims. Heavy rainfall had led to slippery pathways and reduced visibility on the steep terrain, prompting officials to temporarily close the pilgrimage route.
This was not the first time the Vaishno Devi Yatra had been affected by adverse conditions this year. In August, a tragic landslide near Ardh Kunwari resulted in the deaths of 34 pilgrims, forcing authorities to suspend the yatra for 22 days. The journey was later reopened on September 17 after safety checks and restoration work were completed.
By proactively halting the Vaishno Devi Yatra, officials aimed to prevent any repeat of the August incident, reinforcing the Shrine Board’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of every devotee.
Safety Measures Implemented for Vaishno Devi Yatra
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In light of recent weather challenges, authorities have introduced stricter safety measures to ensure smooth functioning of the Vaishno Devi Yatra. Patrol teams have been stationed along critical stretches of the route to assist devotees, while drone surveillance is being used to monitor crowd movement and weather conditions.
Medical camps and emergency services have also been reinforced along the yatra route. The Shrine Board urged pilgrims to stay updated through official announcements before planning their journey to the holy shrine. “The Vaishno Devi Yatra is not just a journey of faith but also a test of endurance, and ensuring safety remains our top priority,” an official said.
Machail Mata Yatra Also Resumes
Along with the Vaishno Devi Yatra, the Machail Mata Yatra in Kishtwar also resumed on Wednesday after several days of suspension. Improved weather conditions across the Jammu region enabled the safe reopening of both pilgrimages, giving a boost to religious tourism and local businesses that rely heavily on these spiritual journeys.
The simultaneous resumption of both yatras underscores the region’s importance as a center of faith and devotion. Many pilgrims who had initially planned to undertake the Vaishno Devi Yatra are now expected to extend their visit to Machail Mata, strengthening the cultural and spiritual connection between the two sacred destinations.
Pilgrimage Spirit Unbroken Despite Challenges
Despite multiple interruptions this year, the spirit of the Vaishno Devi Yatra continues to thrive. Devotees view these natural challenges as part of their divine test and remain steadfast in their faith. The Shrine Board’s timely decisions and safety initiatives have helped maintain trust among pilgrims who embark on this sacred path year after year.
As the skies clear and the Vaishno Devi Yatra resumes, chants of “Jai Mata Di” once again echo through the Trikuta hills, symbolizing hope, faith, and resilience. With renewed devotion and strict safety protocols, the yatra continues to unite millions in their spiritual pursuit toward the holy cave shrine.
