Massive Turnout of Devotees at Vaishno Devi Shrine During Navratri
During the third day of Chaitra Navratri, the Vaishno Devi shrine witnessed an unprecedented turnout of over 100,000 devotees. With the weekend holidays, the influx of pilgrims led to the temporary closure of registration centers due to overwhelming numbers. Enhanced security measures have been implemented to manage the crowds effectively, while various services are available for the convenience of visitors. The local economy in Katra is also benefiting from this surge in pilgrimage, as hotels and shops experience increased business. Stay tuned for more updates on this significant event.
| Mar 22, 2026, 12:21 IST
Crowds Surge at Vaishno Devi Shrine
On the third day of Chaitra Navratri, a significant influx of devotees gathered at the Vaishno Devi shrine. With the weekend holidays on Saturday and Sunday, approximately 41,000 pilgrims had registered and begun their journey to the temple by evening. In response to the overwhelming number of visitors, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board temporarily closed all registration centers at 4:45 PM. Meanwhile, the flow of devotees arriving at the base camp in Katra from across the country continues, leading to increased security and management challenges.
Enhanced Security Measures in Place
To manage the crowd effectively, robust security arrangements have been established from Katra to the shrine. Personnel from the police, CRPF, and other security agencies are deployed throughout the area. Currently, around 8,000 to 10,000 devotees are still waiting to commence their pilgrimage in Katra, and the Shrine Board has urged them to remain patient.
For the convenience of elderly and young visitors, services such as helicopters, battery cars, horses, and palanquins are operating smoothly. Long queues were observed along the Adhkuwari route and within the shrine complex, where devotees had to wait for hours for their turn.
Over 100,000 Devotees Visit in Three Days
In just the first three days of Navratri, more than 100,000 devotees have paid their respects at the shrine. This record influx has revitalized the local markets in Katra, bringing joy to hotel owners, restaurant operators, and local vendors. The Shrine Board is continuously providing updates through announcements to ensure that everything runs smoothly and to prevent any disorder.