Katra, 17,September 2025: Devotees undertaking the sacred Vaishno Devi pilgrimage extended heartfelt birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of his 75th birthday. The celebrations came with a renewed spirit as the Vaishno Devi Yatra resumed today after remaining suspended for 22 days due to a devastating landslide that had blocked the pilgrimage route.
The suspension, caused by heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides, had left thousands of devotees waiting to embark on the spiritual journey to the holy shrine in Trikuta Hills. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) confirmed that safety checks were completed and necessary restoration work was carried out before reopening the route for yatris.
Pilgrims expressed their joy and relief as they resumed their journey, with many lighting diyas and offering prayers not just for their families but also for the Prime Minister’s health and long life.
“This yatra resuming on the same day as Modiji’s birthday feels like a divine blessing,” said a devotee from Gujarat.
Officials have assured that additional safety measures, including landslide monitoring and improved crowd management, have been put in place to prevent any disruption in the future.
The resumption of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage is expected to boost local tourism and bring relief to traders, hoteliers, and transporters in Katra and Jammu region, who had suffered significant losses during the suspension period.
