Jammu, April 07, 2025 – The sacred Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, nestled in the Trikuta Hills of Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, witnessed an impressive influx of 3.75 lakh pilgrims during the recently concluded Chaitra Navratras, pushing the total pilgrimage count for 2025 to 21.25 lakh so far. This surge underscores the enduring spiritual significance of the shrine and the growing appeal of religious tourism in the region.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board reported that the eight-day Navratras, a festival shorter by one day than the usual nine, saw an average of over 40,000 pilgrims daily paying obeisance at the holy cave. The shrine, perched at an altitude of 5,200 feet, has been bustling with devotees since mid-March, following the end of school examinations and improved weather conditions across northern India.
Anshul Garg, CEO of SMVDSB, shared the figures with enthusiasm, stating, “During the Navratras, 3.75 lakh pilgrims visited the shrine, bringing the year-to-date total to 21.25 lakh. The heavy rush reflects the unwavering faith of devotees and the shrine’s prominence as a spiritual beacon.” Garg added that, based on current trends, the pilgrimage could surpass the 10-million mark by the end of 2025, potentially breaking records set in 2011 and 2012 when annual footfalls exceeded one crore.
The Navratras, a key Hindu festival celebrating the divine feminine, typically draw between 3 lakh and 3.5 lakh visitors to the shrine, which is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi—a manifestation of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasarasvati. This year’s numbers indicate a robust recovery and growth in pilgrimage post the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a historic low of 17 lakh visitors in 2020 due to a five-month closure.
The Shrine Board ensured a seamless experience for devotees with enhanced facilities, including smart lockers, free public call booths, and dedicated services for differently-abled pilgrims, such as complimentary battery car rides and helicopter quotas. The route from Katra to the Bhawan, spanning 12 kilometers, was adorned with decorative flowers, while langar facilities offered fasting-friendly meals to cater to the faithful.
Jammu & Kashmir’s improving connectivity, including the upcoming Delhi-Srinagar rail link and the recently trialed Vande Bharat Express on the Katra-Srinagar section, is expected to further boost pilgrimage numbers. The Shrine Board has also operationalized a yatri facilitation centre at Katra Railway Station, streamlining registration processes for arriving devotees.
Despite challenges like the June 2024 terror attack on Shiv Khori pilgrims and back-to-back elections, the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine continues to thrive as a symbol of resilience and devotion. With infrastructure upgrades like the New Vaishnavi Bhawan and an all-weather queue complex slated for completion by year-end, the shrine is poised to accommodate even larger crowds in the future.
As of April 07, 2025, with over eight months remaining in the year, the pilgrimage’s momentum suggests a historic year ahead for one of India’s most revered religious destinations.