Vaishno Devi shrine sees over 4 lakh pilgrims during Navratras, more than double last year
The nine-day-long Shat Chandi Maha Yagya, organized by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) during the auspicious occasion of Shardiya Navratras, concluded with spiritual fervour and devotion on Mahanavami. The Purnahuti ceremony was performed amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras, invoking divine blessings for universal peace, prosperity and the well-being of all.
Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, along with senior officers and staff of the Shrine Board besides, a large number of pilgrims participated in the concluding rituals. The Maha Yagya was performed by a group of learned Pandits led by Padma Shri Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri, lending spiritual sanctity and significance to the sacred occasion.
An average of over 40,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Holy Shrine daily during the Navratras, taking the cumulative number of pilgrims to over 4 lakh since the commencement of the Navratra. This marks a significant increase over the approximately 1.78 lakh pilgrims who visited the Holy Shrine during the corresponding period of last year’s Shardiya Navratras, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and devotion among pilgrims.
To facilitate a smooth, safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage, the Shrine Board put in place elaborate arrangements for the convenience of devotees. Dedicated help desks were established at key locations along the track to provide guidance and assistance. Arrangements were strengthened to ensure uninterrupted water and power supply along the tracks and at Bhawan, alongside enhanced sanitation, hygiene and cleanliness measures. Special fasting meals were also made available at the Shrine Board’s Bhojanalyas and Langars to meet the dietary requirements of devotees observing fasts during Navratras.
A significant addition to the pilgrim infrastructure this year was the New Vaishnavi Bhawan at Bhawan, inaugurated in May 2026 by Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, JK-UT also Chairman, SMVDSB. The facility has augmented accommodation capacity at Bhawan while further enhancing the range and quality of amenities available to pilgrims. Designed to provide a modern, comfortable and efficient environment, the facility represents an important step towards strengthening pilgrimage infrastructure in response to the growing number of devotees.
The festive ambience at the Holy Shrine was further enriched by attractive floral decorations and thematic installations at Bhawan, Atka and adjoining areas. These arrangements added to the spiritual charm of the Shrine and enhanced the festive experience of pilgrims during the auspicious Navratras.
The celebrations were further enlivened by a series of devotional Bhajan performances by renowned artists at Bhawan. These artists included Navdeep Wadali, Sudhir Vyas, Mannat Noor, Sippy and Raj Ashoo, Dilbagh Singh, Milind Gaba, Nitin, Milan Singh, Malini Awasthi, Gyan Pankaj, Kanhaiya Mittal, Master Noor, Shashwat Sachdev, Arunita Kanjilal, Jyotica Tangri and Ajay Yagnik. The students of SMVD Gurukul also enthralled devotees with soulful devotional performances, blending the richness of traditional spiritual music with youthful talent and enthusiasm.
Notably, the Shrine Board continues to reaffirm its commitment to preserving the spiritual traditions and sanctity of the Holy Shrine while providing safe, comfortable and enriching pilgrimage facilities to devotees.