Vaishno Devi yatra crosses 50-lakh pilgrim mark in first six months of 2026

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra achieved a major milestone on June 22 as the number of pilgrims visiting the Holy Cave Shrine crossed 50 lakh during the first six months of the current calendar year. According to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, 50.70 lakh devotees had undertaken the pilgrimage by the date, compared to 39.84 lakh during the corresponding period in 2025.

The Yatra has recorded an impressive increase of 10.86 lakh pilgrims over last year, reflecting growing devotion among pilgrims as well as enhanced confidence in the facilities and services provided by the Shrine Board and other agencies associated with managing the pilgrimage.

A spokesman of the Shrine Board said on Tuesday that The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has achieved a significant milestone during the current calendar year, with the number of pilgrims paying obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine crossing the landmark figure of 50 lakh on June 22, 2026. As on this date, a total of 50.70 lakh devotees have undertaken the sacred pilgrimage to seek the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.

The achievement assumes greater significance when compared with the corresponding period of the preceding year. During the same period in 2025, approximately 39.84 lakh pilgrims had visited the Holy Shrine, whereas the Yatra during the current year has recorded 50.70 lakh pilgrims, reflecting a substantial increase of 10.86 lakh devotees. The remarkable growth in pilgrim footfall is a testimony to the unwavering faith and devotion of pilgrims from across the country and abroad towards the revered Shrine.

The sustained increase in the number of pilgrims also reflects the confidence reposed by devotees in the arrangements made by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders associated with the management of the Yatra.

Under the Chairmanship of Manoj Sinha, Lt. Governor, JK-UT, the Shrine Board has undertaken extensive measures to facilitate a smooth, safe and comfortable pilgrimage experience for devotees. Continuous improvements in infrastructure, accommodation facilities, sanitation, crowd management systems, healthcare services, battery car operations, ropeway services, disaster management preparedness and digital initiatives have significantly enhanced pilgrim convenience and overall service delivery.

The crossing of the 50-lakh mark at this stage of the year is indicative of the growing enthusiasm among devotees and augurs well for the continued progress of the Yatra during the remaining months of the year.