Vaishno Devi Yatra resumes after 7-day halt; 10,000+ devotees flock to Katra
Synopsis
After seven days of suspension, the Vaishno Devi Yatra reopened on 25 July to scenes of overwhelming relief — over 10,000 devotees descended on Katra simultaneously, some having waited as long as 15 days. The sheer pent-up demand is now the biggest operational test for shrine authorities and security forces in the days ahead.
Key Takeaways
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage resumed on 25 July after a seven-day suspension .
More than 10,000 devotees gathered at Counter No.
2 in Katra to collect mandatory RFID cards .
Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF personnel managed crowd movement and maintained security throughout the day.
Some pilgrims had waited in Katra for up to 15 days before the yatra reopened.
Authorities are maintaining heightened security and crowd management measures in the coming days.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage resumed on Saturday, 25 July after a seven-day suspension, drawing more than 10,000 devotees to Katra in Jammu and Kashmir who surged to collect mandatory RFID cards and begin their trek to the revered shrine. The reopening ended days of uncertainty for thousands of pilgrims who had remained stranded in the base camp town awaiting clearance.
Massive Rush at Registration Counters
Long queues formed at Counter No. 2 from the early hours of the morning as pilgrims lined up for their mandatory RFID registration — a prerequisite for undertaking the trek. Despite the heavy footfall, the registration process and movement of pilgrims proceeded in an orderly manner throughout the day.
Light rain fell across Katra for much of the day, providing relatively pleasant trekking conditions, while chants of 'Jai Mata Di' echoed through the town as pilgrims prepared to ascend.
Security and Crowd Management
Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed in strength to manage the surge of pilgrims, assist with crowd movement, and maintain law and order. Authorities maintained heightened security measures even through the rainfall, with officials closely monitoring the situation to ensure a safe and orderly pilgrimage.
Devotees Speak: Relief After Days of Waiting
Many pilgrims described the resumption as a deeply emotional moment after prolonged uncertainty. A devotee from Rohtak, Haryana, said: 'We have come from Rohtak, Haryana. We waited here for 15 days, and today we finally had the opportunity to have Mata Rani's darshan. We are extremely happy…'
Another pilgrim, who described it as a milestone visit, said: 'This will be the most memorable trip of my life. I have visited Mata Rani's shrine 15 times before, but this visit will remain the most unforgettable. There are no words to describe my happiness…'
A third devotee, who arrived in Katra on 21 July with a return journey scheduled for 26 July, said: 'There is a huge rush here. By Mata Rani's blessings, I am now finally able to have her darshan. I never thought the pilgrimage would actually resume…'
Significance and What Comes Next
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is among India's most visited pilgrimage destinations, drawing millions of devotees annually. A week-long suspension — regardless of cause — invariably creates a pent-up backlog of pilgrims, making the immediate post-resumption period one of the most logistically demanding phases for shrine authorities and security forces alike.
Authorities have indicated they will continue to monitor crowd levels and security conditions closely in the coming days as the backlog of waiting pilgrims continues to move through the registration system.
Point of View
000-plus pilgrims at a single registration counter on day one is precisely that risk materialising. Shrine authorities and security forces deserve credit for maintaining order, but the deeper question is what triggered the suspension in the first place and whether the underlying conditions have been fully resolved. Resuming a pilgrimage of this scale without transparent communication on the reason for the halt — and the measures taken to address it — leaves pilgrims and their families with little basis to make informed decisions about when to travel.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Vaishno Devi Yatra suspended for seven days?
The source does not specify the reason for the seven-day suspension of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. Authorities resumed the yatra on 25 July and have been monitoring the situation closely, but no official cause was detailed in available reports.
When did the Vaishno Devi Yatra resume in 2025?
The Vaishno Devi Yatra resumed on Saturday, 25 July 2025, after remaining suspended for seven consecutive days. Thousands of devotees who had been waiting in Katra began the trek to the shrine from that morning.
What is the RFID card requirement for Vaishno Devi Yatra?
Every pilgrim undertaking the Vaishno Devi Yatra is required to obtain a mandatory RFID card before beginning the trek. On 25 July, more than 10,000 devotees queued at Counter No. 2 in Katra to complete this registration process.
How was crowd management handled at Katra after the yatra resumed?
Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed in strength at Katra to manage the surge of over 10,000 pilgrims. Security forces assisted devotees, maintained law and order, and ensured the registration and movement process remained orderly despite heavy footfall and light rain.
How significant is the Vaishno Devi shrine as a pilgrimage destination?
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir is one of India's most visited religious sites, attracting millions of devotees every year. A week-long suspension of the yatra is therefore an exceptional event, creating significant pent-up demand and logistical pressure upon resumption.
