Vaishno Devi Yatra to Resume from September 14: Key Pilgrim Guidelines You Must Know Before Visiting

Vaishno Devi Yatra to Resume from September 14: Key Pilgrim Guidelines You Must Know Before Visiting (image: canva)

Katra (Jammu and Kashmir): The Vaishno Devi Yatra, one of the most revered pilgrimages in India, will resume from September 14 after being suspended for over two weeks due to landslides and bad weather. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board confirmed that the yatra will reopen, subject to favourable weather conditions and completion of essential track maintenance.

The suspension had caused disappointment among devotees and financial strain for local businesses dependent on the annual footfall. Authorities have now assured that all safety measures are in place to facilitate a smooth resumption of the holy journey.

Why Was the Yatra Suspended?

The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage was halted on August 26, when heavy rainfall triggered a massive landslide near Adhkuwari, about halfway on the 12-km trek from Katra to Bhawan. The tragic incident claimed 34 lives and left several others injured. Persistent rains continued to cause multiple landslides, blocking tracks and disrupting the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, making it unsafe for pilgrims to proceed.

Key Guidelines for Devotees

The Shrine Board has issued a set of important instructions for all pilgrims to ensure their safety and comfort during the yatra:

• Carry a valid government-issued ID proof at all times.
• Follow only the designated trekking pathways and avoid restricted areas.
• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)-based tracking is mandatory for transparency and traceability of pilgrim movement.
• Devotees are advised to stay updated through the official Shrine Board website, which offers live updates, online booking services, and helpline support.
• Cooperate with on-ground staff and security officials to ensure smooth regulation of the pilgrimage.

Expressing gratitude for the patience shown by devotees during the suspension, the Shrine Board said, “The resumption of the Yatra marks a reaffirmation of our collective faith and resilience. We remain committed to ensuring the sanctity, safety, and dignity of this revered pilgrimage.”

Impact of Suspension

The prolonged suspension not only tested the devotion of pilgrims but also affected local tourism and businesses in Katra that rely heavily on the yatra. Hotels, restaurants, and transport services reported significant losses during the 14-day closure. With the resumption, authorities hope for a gradual revival of religious tourism in the region.

As the Vaishno Devi Yatra resumes from September 14, pilgrims are urged to strictly follow safety guidelines and remain cautious due to the region’s unpredictable weather. The reopening brings renewed hope for lakhs of devotees across the country, reaffirming faith in the divine journey to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.