JAMMU, OCT 19: The ongoing Shardiya Navratri festival has witnessed a massive influx of devotees at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, with over 3.81 lakh pilgrims paying obeisance since October 11, officials said on Monday.
The number of devotees is expected to increase further on Dussehra, as pilgrims continue to arrive in large numbers at the revered cave shrine situated in the Trikuta hills.
According to officials, as many as 3.81 lakh pilgrims had visited the shrine by 2 pm on Monday. During the first eight days of Navratri, approximately 3.62 lakh devotees paid obeisance, while more than 20,000 pilgrims had proceeded towards the shrine by Monday afternoon.
The pilgrimage has been progressing smoothly amid favourable weather conditions and a festive atmosphere in Katra, the base camp of the shrine.
Official figures show that 47,574 pilgrims visited the shrine on October 11, followed by 48,400 on October 12, 46,558 on October 13, 41,961 on October 14 and 39,951 on October 15. The shrine received 41,750 devotees on October 16, 48,500 on October 17 and 47,700 on October 18.
Pilgrims are availing themselves of various facilities, including helicopter services, battery-operated cars, ponies and pithus, to make their journey more convenient.
The nine-day Shat Chandi Maha Yagya also entered its ninth day, with prayers and Vedic rituals being performed at the Yagyashala within the shrine complex.
The shrine premises, pilgrimage track and Katra town have been decorated with flowers, fruits and lights to mark the festive occasion. Security arrangements have also been strengthened to ensure the safety of devotees and the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has introduced special facilities for differently-abled pilgrims, including free pony and battery-car services, priority darshan and dedicated help desks. Drinking water, sanitation, medical assistance and emergency response teams have also been arranged along the pilgrimage route.
Meanwhile, Jammu’s Mata Kali temple, popularly known as Bawe Wali Mata, also witnessed a heavy rush, with more than two lakh devotees visiting the shrine on Monday, officials said.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta, Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma, and Punjabi actress Preeti Sapru also paid obeisance at the temple. They prayed for peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir and across the country.
