According to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the start of the temporarily halted Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been postponed until further notice due to the intense rainfall in Bhawan, Jammu and Kashmir. Due to unfavorable weather and numerous landslides in the area, the pilgrimage to the revered shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi was halted for 14 days in a row.
The Board asked followers to stay informed via official means in a post on social media X. “The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, which was supposed to start on September 14th, has been postponed until further notice due to the continuous rain at Bhawan and the track. The post stated, “Devotees are asked to stay informed via official communication channels.”
The Shrine Board had already thanked the followers for their understanding and patience while the Yatra was temporarily halted. “The resumption of the Yatra marks a reaffirmation of our collective faith and resilience, and the Board remains committed to upholding the sanctity, safety and dignity of this revered pilgrimage.”
Persistent rain has caused landslides and blocked roads leading to the temple, making it dangerous for pilgrims to walk about, according to authorities. Connectivity is further complicated by the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which is still interrupted at several locations by landslides and road damage. Devotees were disappointed by the protracted delay, and local companies that depend on the yatra are also having trouble.
Following a landslide on August 26 that left 34 persons dead and numerous others injured, the Vaishno Devi Yatra was put on hold. A huge landslide near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya in Adhkuwari, which is roughly halfway down the 12-kilometer hike from Katra to the shrine, was caused by heavy rains at around 3 p.m.