Vaishno Devi Yatra breaks last five years record

Jammu, Dec 10 (UNI) The world famous Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine pilgrimage have set new record as the yatra figure of 2017 was crossed on Monday.
Talking to UNI, Simrandeep Singh, CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, said, "In the last year, a total of 81,78,318 pilgrims visited to the cave shrine but new record has been set as the yatra crossed this figure on Monday morning with still 21 days are left in the current year," Simrandeep Singh, CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board here told UNI.
He said that with fresh snowfall at Bhawan and start of Bhawan-Bharion Ghati Cable Car, the yatra will further increase and may touch new record hoping that it may cross 85 lakhs.
It is pertinent to mention here that in 2013, record one crore pilgrims visited to the cave shrine and paid obeisance but after that the pilgrimage declined due to the security situation and other reasons in the state..
As per official record, in 2014, the pilgrimage was 78,03,193, in 2015, it was 77,76, 604, in 2016, it was 77, 23, 721 and in 2017 it was 81,78,318.
"It is a very healthy sign that the yatra this year have broke previous five years record and we are sure that the figure will further rise by year end," said an official.
He said that presently 13,000 to 15,000 pilgrims are daily reaching Katra base camp to perform the pilgrimage, while the Shrine Board has made all necessary arrangements in view of prevailing weather conditions.