Katra: A heavy rush of pilgrims marked the year end at the Vaishno Devi shrine as authorities said arrangements were in place to manage the New Year influx and ensure a smooth pilgrimage in the Trikuta hills of Jammu and Kashmir. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said facilities related to security accommodation and darshan were being closely monitored amid rising arrivals.
Chief Executive Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya said the board remained focused on improving the overall experience for devotees visiting the shrine in Reasi district. He noted that the flow of pilgrims during the past few days had been encouraging and expressed hope that the upward trend would continue into the coming year.
The official said a newly introduced meditation facility named Sadhana Kaksh at the Bhawan had received a positive response from pilgrims. The facility was dedicated earlier this month to provide visitors a quiet space for prayer and meditation during the yatra. According to the board the one hour Sadhana arrangement has added to the spiritual comfort of devotees.
Despite the recent surge the annual footfall at the shrine remained below previous levels. Officials said more than sixty nine lakh pilgrims paid obeisance during the year which was lower than the turnout recorded last year. The decline was attributed to security related incidents and prolonged weather disruptions that affected the movement of pilgrims during the yatra season.
Vaishya said the board was continuing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and services. Several ongoing projects were nearing completion and were expected to further improve facilities for pilgrims visiting the shrine from across the country.
