Jammu, Mar 27: The nine-day-long ‘Shat Chandi Maha Yagya’ concluded at the revered shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi atop Trikuta hills in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on the occasion of Ram Navami festival, an official of the shrine board said on Friday.
The special prayer was organised by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) for world peace, harmony, prosperity and the well-being of humanity, the official said.
He said the ‘Purna Ahuti’ and other religious ceremonies were performed with traditional fervour and devotion amidst Vedic chants.
Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Sachin Kumar Vaishya along with officers and staff of the Board and a large number of pilgrims, participated in the sacred rituals. The Maha Yagya was conducted by a distinguished group of pandits led by Padma Shri Prof Vishwamurti Shastri, the official said.
The Navratri period witnessed an overwhelming response from devotees, with over three lakh pilgrims paying obeisance at the shrine.
On average, around 37,000 pilgrims visited daily, the official said, adding that the Yatra has shown a steady upward trend in 2026, with over 18.76 lakh devotees visiting up to March 26, compared to 16.72 lakh during the corresponding period in 2025.
For the convenience of pilgrims and to ensure a smooth, safe and well-regulated Yatra, the Shrine Board strengthened enforcement measures against unauthorized service providers and impersonators, the official said.
In a recent meeting chaired by the Chief Executive Officer with service providers and stakeholders, it was decided to constitute joint enforcement teams comprising officials from the Shrine Board Enforcement Wing, J&K Police and CRPF for conducting random inspections along the track to curb unregistered service providers, while all ingress points are being effectively monitored and regulated to prevent unauthorized access.
Elaborate arrangements were made by the Shrine Board for the convenience of pilgrims during Navratri.
The Bhawan, Atka, and surrounding areas were adorned with aesthetic floral decorations and vibrant illumination, enhancing the festive and devotional atmosphere, the official said.
He said uninterrupted water and power supply, along with robust sanitation and hygiene measures, were ensured across the track, including the Bhawan area.
Special arrangements for ‘fast-related’ food were provided at the Board’s Langars and Bhojanalyas, the official said, adding facilities such as accommodation, battery-operated vehicles, passenger ropeway and helicopter services were operated smoothly and efficiently throughout the Navratri period, ensuring a comfortable pilgrimage experience.
Other highlights of the celebrations included soulful bhajan and bhaint performances during the morning and evening Atka Aarti by renowned artists, the official said.
