Katra, Jammu & Kashmir I March 16, 2025 – The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an extraordinary rise in pilgrim donations over the past five years, with contributions reaching Rs 171.90 crore in the financial year 2024-25 (up to January 2025), according to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board . This marks a massive increase from Rs 63.85 crore in 2020-21, nearly tripling the cash offerings in this period.
The surge extends beyond monetary donations. Gold offerings have risen from over 9 kilograms in 2020-21 to 27.7 kilograms this fiscal year, while silver donations have jumped from 753 kilograms to more than 3,424 kilograms. The data, revealed through an RTI filed by activist Raman Sharma, highlights the shrine’s growing prominence as a spiritual and economic hub.
This increase aligns with robust pilgrim numbers, with 94.83 lakh visitors recorded in 2024—the second-highest annual footfall in a decade. Improved facilities, such as a new skywalk and upgraded kitchens, alongside plans for a medical college, may be fueling devotee generosity. Despite local protests over a proposed ropeway project, the shrine’s appeal remains unshaken.
SMVDSB officials credit the spike to the deep faith of pilgrims and the role of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in bringing normalcy to Jammu and Kashmir has also contributed significantly, fostering an environment that has boosted tourist and pilgrim inflow to the region.