Katra, Mar 26 — More than 2.69 lakh pilgrims have offered prayers at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine during the ongoing Chaitra Navratri, officials said, as authorities stepped up security and crowd management measures amid the surge.
“The yatra is going on smoothly. There is a huge rush. As many as 2,69,716 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the temple till March 25,” a senior official of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said.
The nine-day Chaitra Navratri, being observed from March 19 to March 27, traditionally draws one of the highest footfalls at the shrine. Hundreds of devotees, chanting “Jai Mata Di”, are trekking the 13-km route from Katra to the cave temple.
Daily footfall figures show a steady rise, with 31,815 pilgrims on March 19, 34,805 on March 20, 41,078 on March 21, 43,482 on March 22, 45,478 on March 23, 38,158 on March 24, and 34,900 on March 25.
Authorities briefly suspended pilgrim registration twice to regulate the rush. Multi-tier security arrangements have been deployed across Katra, the yatra routes and the Bhawan area, involving police, CRPF, paramilitary forces and quick-response teams.
Officials said volunteers have been stationed along the route to manage movement, while wireless communication systems have been introduced this year to improve coordination.
The shrine and approach routes have been illuminated and decorated, with religious fervour marking the festival. The Shat Chandi Maha Yagya also commenced on March 19, coinciding with the start of Navratri, officials said.