Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra Postponed Again Due to Heavy Rains in Jammu and Kashmir
Devotees planning to start the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra from tomorrow will have to wait a bit longer. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has postponed the pilgrimage until further notice because of non-stop rains in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir. This comes just a day before the scheduled restart on September 14.
The Yatra had been on hold since August 26 due to bad weather. On that tragic day, a massive landslide struck a shelter point along the route, claiming the lives of 35 pilgrims. Everyone at the shrine had safely descended to the base camp in Katra, but the disaster shocked the nation. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha quickly formed a high-level committee to investigate what went wrong.
SMVDSB officials, led by the Lt Governor as ex-officio Chairman, had earlier announced the reopening for September 14. But with rains continuing to pour down, they made the tough call today to prioritize pilgrim safety. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the board shared: "Jai Mata Di. Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, which was to start on 14 September (Sunday), has been postponed till further orders."
Authorities have also ordered hotels and dharamshalas in the area to vacate guests to avoid any risks. Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary recently pointed fingers at SMVDSB for poor management during the Yatra, adding to the ongoing scrutiny.
Every year, over 1.5 crore pilgrims from across India flock to the sacred Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta Hills in Reasi district. It’s one of the most popular spiritual journeys in the country, drawing millions seeking blessings from the goddess.
The SMVDSB, established in August 1986 under the Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1988, handles everything from Yatra management to shrine administration. The Act aims to ensure smooth governance of the holy site, its lands, and buildings. The board includes a Chairman—the Lt Governor—and up to 10 members, with a Chief Executive Officer leading daily operations supported by Jammu and Kashmir government officers.
For now, aspiring yatris should keep an eye on official updates from SMVDSB for the next Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra resumption date. Stay safe amid the Jammu and Kashmir rains!
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