Jammu and Kashmir, September 24, 2025 – Devotees from across the country continued to flock to the sacred Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hills in Reasi district on the third day of the ongoing Shardiya Navratri festival, filling the air with chants of “Jai Mata Di” and vibrant religious fervor. The nine-day celebration, which commenced on September 22 and will conclude on October 1, has drawn an unprecedented rush of pilgrims seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga in her various forms, underscoring the shrine’s enduring spiritual significance during this auspicious period.The pilgrimage, which resumed on September 17 following a 22-day suspension due to a devastating landslide in August that claimed 34 lives, has seen a remarkable surge in footfall since the festival’s onset. Officials from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) reported over 45,000 devotees paying obeisance daily in the initial days, with similar crowds observed today as families, young pilgrims, and elderly faithful undertook the challenging 12-kilometer uphill trek from the base camp in Katra. The shrine’s sanctum sanctorum, or Bhawan, has been exquisitely adorned with floral tributes, colorful lights, and traditional decorations blending indigenous and imported flowers, creating a mesmerizing spiritual ambiance that enhances the devotees’ experience.
Key Highlights of the Third Day Celebrations
- Massive Influx of Pilgrims: Thousands of devotees, including large groups from northern India, braved the trek despite intermittent showers, with registration counters at Katra Railway Station and other points operating round-the-clock to manage the crowds efficiently. The SMVDSB has deployed additional volunteers, including local youth and trained personnel, to assist pilgrims with guidance, medical aid, and lost-and-found services.
- Ritualistic Observances: The day was marked by special aartis performed twice daily at the Holy Cave, attended by throngs of worshippers. Devotees offered prayers to Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga symbolizing courage and strength, with many participating in kanya pujan and fasting rituals. Awareness sessions on safe trekking and hydration were also conducted along the route.
- Enhanced Facilities: To ensure smooth darshan, the board has introduced new initiatives like expanded helipad services for VIPs and helicopter shuttles, alongside the operational aerial ropeway from Bhawan to Bhairon Ghati temple (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Free langar (community kitchens) served hot meals to over 50,000 pilgrims, while medical camps screened for common ailments like fatigue and altitude sickness.
Chief Executive Officer of SMVDSB, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, who personally reviewed the arrangements, emphasized the board’s commitment to devotee safety and seamless facilitation. “The overwhelming response on the third day reflects the deep faith in Maa Vaishno Devi. We are fully prepared to handle the expected peak during the festival, with robust security and logistical support in place,” Vaishya stated during a spot inspection at the Bhawan.Security remains a top priority, with coordinated efforts from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other agencies ensuring comprehensive coverage along the yatra route. Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, and Inspector General of Police, Bhim Sen Tuti, had earlier chaired meetings to fine-tune preparations for Navratri alongside other upcoming festivals like Dussehra and Diwali.
Broader Context: Shardiya Navratri and Vaishno Devi’s Allure
Shardiya Navratri, a pan-Indian festival honoring the triumph of good over evil, holds unparalleled importance at the Vaishno Devi shrine, which annually attracts over 8 million pilgrims. This year’s celebrations follow extensive repairs to the landslide-affected track, with the board urging devotees to check weather updates via official channels before commencing their journey. The festival not only boosts spiritual tourism in Jammu and Kashmir but also highlights the region’s resilient cultural heritage post-natural calamities.Social media platforms buzzed with videos and photos of the vibrant scenes, with hashtags like #Navratri2025 and #JaiMataDi trending locally. The Press Trust of India captured the enthusiasm in a widely shared video, showcasing streams of colorfully attired devotees ascending the hills amid bhajans and drumbeats. Officials anticipate even larger crowds in the coming days, with follow-up measures planned to sustain the momentum of this divine congregation.
