Katra, Sept 12 — The pilgrimage to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in the Trikuta hills will resume on Sunday, 19 days after it was suspended following a landslide near Ardhkuwari that claimed 34 lives on August 26.
“Following a temporary suspension necessitated by inclement weather conditions and essential maintenance of the track leading to the holy shrine, the yatra to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shall resume from September 14, subject to favourable weather conditions,” an official spokesperson said.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has urged devotees to carry valid identification, follow designated pathways and cooperate with ground staff. For live updates, booking services and helpline support, pilgrims have been advised to visit the board’s official website www.maavaishnodevi.org.
“The shrine board expresses its gratitude to the devotees for their patience and understanding during the temporary suspension. The resumption of the yatra marks a reaffirmation of our collective faith and resilience, and the board remains committed to upholding the sanctity, safety and dignity of this revered pilgrimage,” the spokesperson added.
The suspension followed the August 26 landslide tragedy, which led to the death of 34 pilgrims and injuries to several others. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had ordered a probe three days later, appointing a three-member committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra, with Inspector General of Police, Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti, and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar as members. The panel was directed to submit its report within two weeks, but there has been no word yet on its findings.
This is not the first such inquiry at the shrine. In January 2022, after a New Year’s Day stampede killed 12 devotees, a similar three-member panel—also led by Kabra—was constituted. Its report, too, was never made public, drawing criticism from civil society groups and legal activists who have demanded greater transparency in ensuring the safety of pilgrims.
