SRINAGAR: Nearly one crore pilgrims paid obeisance at Shri Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, Reasi, by December 31, 2024, according to the CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).
Anshul Garg, the Chief Executive Officer of SMVDSB, said, “94.83 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in 2024, the second-highest number in a decade.”
Earlier, on December 12, 2024, Garg mentioned that more than 90 lakh devotees had visited the shrine in Jammu and Kashmir for the third consecutive year.
“For the third consecutive year, the number of devotees visiting the shrine has exceeded 90 lakh. Last year, the count crossed 95 lakh. This year’s yatra has followed a similar trend,” he remarked.
He further added that efforts are underway to provide improved facilities for devotees and that footfall in Katra is expected to rise with better connectivity. Garg also highlighted the Board’s ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the pilgrimage experience.
Meanwhile, normalcy has returned to Katra, the base camp for Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims, as business activities resumed following a week-long shutdown over a controversial ropeway project in Reasi district. The protests had brought the bustling pilgrimage town to a standstill.
Police released eighteen detainees, prompting overnight celebrations. Shops, restaurants, and other businesses reopened, much to the relief of pilgrims, as traffic flow was restored. Hundreds of devotees thronged Katra on New Year’s Day to pay homage at the temple, marking the end of the shutdown.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti initiated the protest on December 25, opposing the proposed ropeway project that aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, intending to ease access for senior citizens and children. The Samiti’s week-long agitation sought to halt the project, citing concerns that it would undermine the town’s traditions. (KNO)
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