Jammu, September 29:
During the first seven days of Sharadiya Navratri, approximately 1.25 lakh devotees have visited the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. However, this year the number of pilgrims has decreased slightly. Last year, during the first three Navratris, 1,30,550 devotees visited the shrine.
According to reports, last year in 2024, the number of devotees crossed 1.25 lakh in the first three days of Navratri. This year only 1,25,021 lakh devotees have arrived in the first seven Navratris.
Administration and Shrine Board officials believe that the main reason for this decrease is the recent natural disasters across the country.
Despite this, devotees of Maa Vaishno Devi continue to arrive at the shrine. The Bhawan Marg is constantly thronged by devotees day and night. During Navratri, chants of Mata’s name fill the atmosphere from Katra to Bhawan. Local shopkeepers and hoteliers say that while the crowds are slightly smaller than last year, a large crowd is expected on weekends and during Durgashtami and Navami. Security agencies are keeping a close watch on the Bhawan Marg.
The Shrine Board has made arrangements for RFID cards, medical services, food distribution, and water for the convenience of pilgrims. Security agencies have also tightened surveillance along the Bhawan route to prevent any untoward incident. Devotees believe that, whether the number is large or small, attending the shrine of Mother Vaishno Devi during Navratri is one of the greatest blessings of their lives.