Mata Vaishno Devi yatra may restart from Aug 15 Independence Day

If all goes well, devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi will be able to have darshan at the cave shrine in Katra, Jammu, on August 15 Independence Day.

According to latest reports, the top officials of Jammu and Kashmir state administration are already engaged in a round of talks to discuss the reopening of the temple for pilgrims after four and a half months. Reportedly, the officials are mulling over the possibility of reopening Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, but the decision will rest on the state of COVID-19 cases in J&K. Already, Shri Amarnath Yatra and Kishtwar’s Machel Yatra have been cancelled. Additionally, lockdown is in full force across several districts of J&K.
News has it that even if the cave shrine is reopened, the Shrine Board will put a cap on the number of pilgrims allowed entering the temple. Not more than 5000 to 7000 visitors will be permitted inside the temple premises. Furthermore, all devotees will have to follow the guidelines set by the state administration and the Shrine Board.

Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board may prefer not to allow online pilgrim registration after reopening the pilgrimage to avoid crowding of people. Instead, visitors may be asked to reach the base camp at Katra and get a travel slip from the counters there.