Jammu, March 20: Amid relentless rain and biting cold, thousands of fervent devotees chanted “Jai Mata Di” as they navigated the winding trek to the sacred cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi atop the Trikuta hills, marking the vibrant start of Chaitra Navratri with unwavering faith and communal joy.
Fresh floral tributes scented the air while multicolored lights illuminated the hilltop Bhawan in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, drawing around 15,000 pilgrims on Wednesday for the deity’s blessings—despite the downpour that tested their resolve from Katra base camp onward. Officials noted the yatra flowed seamlessly under tight security, with groups marching to loudspeaker devotional tunes, as daily crowds are projected to hit 20,000-30,000 over the nine-day festival.
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha visited the shrine, offering prayers for universal peace, prosperity, and well-being, while pilgrims like 90-year-old R K Pawar from Rajasthan shared stories of lifelong devotion: “Rains can’t stop us—Mata fulfills every wish.” Mithlesh Kumar from Uttar Pradesh called the Bhawan paradise-like, and Sushma Tiwari from Bihar praised the divine ambiance, excellent facilities, and mesmerizing decorations.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board ramped up registration at Katra railway station, pony services for the elderly, sanitation, water, and food stalls, alongside pandals bursting with exotic flowers. Multi-layered security—CRPF, J&K Police, Army, CCTV, RFID crowd control, and an Integrated Command Centre—ensured safety along the 12-km route.
In Jammu, dawn queues snaked to Bawe Wali Mata temple at Bahu Fort, where Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary paid obeisance and extended Navratri greetings for peace and happiness, amplifying the region’s festive spirit.
