J-K: Devotees flock to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi during third day of Navratri

Devotees are pouring into the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, to celebrate the third day of Navratri with full enthusiasm, even as long lines form at the holy cave. The air buzzes with devotion as pilgrims chant bhajans and songs dedicated to the goddess.

The Shrine Board and local authorities stepped up with special setups to handle the growing crowds. They’re ensuring smooth darshan experiences and providing key facilities for yatris during the entire nine-day Shardiya Navratri festival.

Shardiya Navratri, a major Hindu festival across India, honors Goddess Durga and her nine powerful forms, each representing strengths like courage, knowledge, and kindness. For nine nights in the month of Ashwin, people join in daily prayers, keep fasts, sing devotional tunes, and dance to lively Garba and Dandiya Raas rhythms.

In Gujarat, the festivities light up with huge community events and colorful performances that draw crowds from everywhere. Over in Kolkata, Durga Puja takes center stage with creative pandals exploring fresh themes this year—think artificial intelligence, environmental issues, and modern family life—blending fun with deeper thoughts.

The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage kicked back into gear after a 22-day pause caused by heavy rains and landslides. Thrilled pilgrims from all over India are arriving now, relieved that they can finally visit the sacred site and offer their prayers after such a long delay.

The shutdown followed a tragic landslide on August 26, when intense downpours unleashed a huge slide near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari—about halfway up the 12-km trek from Katra. It claimed 34 lives and hurt many others around 3 p.m. that day.


Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.