The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) in Jammu halted fresh pilgrim registrations on Thursday due to the high influx of devotees for the New Year. This suspension was a precautionary step to ensure crowd safety and smooth management at the shrine’s base camp and along the trekking route. The board mentioned that a review of crowd density will determine when registrations will resume.
In Katra town, a significant number of devotees flocked to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine to mark the beginning of the New Year 2026. Despite foggy and cold weather, pilgrims displayed enthusiasm and devotion during their journey. The hilltop area is vibrant with devotees from all over the country gathering to commence the New Year on a spiritual note.
On the occasion of New Year 2026, a large influx of devotees is expected in Katra for darshan at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. In anticipation of the heavy pilgrim turnout during the New Year, SSP Reasi conducted a security review meeting at the shrine to ensure the safety and smooth movement of devotees. Special attention was given to crowd management to prevent incidents like stampedes and regulate movement in sensitive areas.
The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at the shrine is actively monitoring crowd management applications to ensure effective coordination and quick responses. SSP Reasi stressed the importance of preparedness among all departments to address any emergencies swiftly and ensure a safe pilgrimage experience for devotees. The shrine, attracting over one crore pilgrims annually, is overseen by the SMVDSB under the chairmanship of J&K Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha.
