Vaishno Devi yatra resumes after 22-day suspension caused by landslide

Reasi: The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district resumed on Wednesday amid chants of “Jai Mata Di”, ending a 22-day suspension following the landslide that killed 34 people and left 20 injured.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) announced the reopening of the yatra this morning, subject to weather clearance, bringing relief to devotees who had been waiting in Katra, the base camp. Hundreds of pilgrims thronged the Banganga Darshani gate early in the morning to begin their journey towards the hilltop shrine.

Officials said the yatra restarted at 6am via both routes after repairs and safety checks. Pilgrims have been asked to carry valid ID, stick to designated paths, and cooperate with ground staff. RFID-based tracking remains compulsory.

“The resumption of the yatra is a testament to faith and resilience. We are committed to ensuring the sanctity and safety of this sacred pilgrimage,” a shrine board official said, thanking devotees for their patience.

Many pilgrims expressed joy, with a group from Maharashtra calling the day “special” after waiting two days at the base camp. “We were certain we would have darshan before returning home,” a woman devotee said.

Authorities have urged strict adherence to safety guidelines and advised pilgrims to follow official updates. With the track declared safe, footfall is expected to rise in the coming days, particularly during Navratri from September 22 to October 1.

The yatra had been suspended on August 26, just hours before a major landslide struck the route leading to the shrine.