Upgraded facilities launched for pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi Shrine during Navratras.

Devotees throng Vaishno Devi shrine during Navratras. Special arrangements made for the devotees.

The Chaitra Navratra commenced at Vaishno Devi Shrine with Sacred Shatchandi Yagya and enhanced facilities.

Sumedha Singh | HENB | Jammu | April 2, 2025::  The Vaishno Devi shrine and Jammu, the city of temples, are geared up to celebrate the sacred Navratras. Hundreds of pilgrims are flocking to the mountain cave shrine of Vaishnodevi to pay their respects, while temples in and around Jammu are decorated for the occasion.

The revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine has witnessed an unprecedented influx of devotees, with over 300,000 pilgrims paying obeisance in the first three days of the Navratri festival.

To ensure a seamless and spiritual experience for devotees, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (Contact 9906019494) has introduced several new facilities and upgraded existing ones. “We have made comprehensive arrangements to provide a comfortable and hassle-free experience for pilgrims,” said Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

The shrine board has set up smart lockers, free public call booths, and complimentary slots for differently-abled devotees to participate in Garbjoon Arti and Atka Arti. Dedicated quotas for helicopter bookings and complimentary battery car services have also been allocated for differently-abled pilgrims.

To mitigate fatigue and provide respite, resting cum holding areas have been established for devotees at Banganga and Ardhkuwari. The Langar facility has been extended to Shubhra Bhawan at Banganga, providing fast-related food options for devotees observing fasts during the pilgrimage.

As part of the Navratri celebrations, the shrine board has also lined up captivating ‘Bhajan and Bhaint’ performances by acclaimed artists during morning and evening Atka arti. These spiritual events will further enrich the pilgrims’ experience, fostering an atmosphere of devotion and spirituality.

With the commencement of Navratras, the Vaishno Devi shrine has been beautifully transformed into a radiant spiritual oasis, complete with grand decorations, majestic reception doors, and elegantly designed tracks. The shrine board has also made comprehensive arrangements for round-the-clock water and power supply, sanitation facilities, and medical care.

As the pilgrims make their way to the shrine, the city of Jammu is also geared up to celebrate the occasion. Temples across the city have been decorated, and devotees are thronging the streets to catch a glimpse of the festivities.

With its rich spiritual heritage and vibrant cultural traditions, Jammu is the perfect destination for devotees looking to immerse themselves in the divine. As the Navratras unfold, the city is set to become a hub of spiritual activity, attracting pilgrims from across the country.

Heavy security arrangements, including AI-enabled CCTV cameras and drones, have been deployed at the base camp of the bhawan and along the route to avert any untoward incident, officials said.

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_Inputs from Agencies.