Deep Sharma
Jammu: Despite weather-related disruptions and other challenges, the faith of devotees visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine remains strong, with nearly 66.93 lakh pilgrims having paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine during the first eight months of 2026.
According to the pilgrimage figures, a total of 66,93,519 pilgrims visited the shrine between January and August this year. During the corresponding period in 2025, 54,20,436 pilgrims had visited the shrine. This marks an increase of 12,73,083 pilgrims, or nearly 23.5 per cent, over the same period last year.
The upward trend was also witnessed in August. While 5,33,756 pilgrims visited the shrine in August 2025, the number increased to 6,25,550 in August 2026, registering a rise of 91,794 pilgrims.
If the current trend continues, the annual pilgrimage footfall could move closer to the one-crore mark this year. However, pilgrim arrivals have witnessed some moderation in recent days due to the ongoing monsoon and festivals, including Krishna Janmashtami. Local traders and other stakeholders in Katra are hopeful that pilgrim footfall will pick up again after the festival period, bringing renewed activity to the town’s markets.
At present, around 15,000 to 18,000 pilgrims are arriving at the Katra base camp every day. On Tuesday, nearly 10,000 pilgrims had completed registration and proceeded towards the Bhawan by 2 pm, while the arrival of devotees continued throughout the day.
The monsoon, however, has caused intermittent disruption to some services associated with the pilgrimage.
Helicopter operations from Katra have remained affected for considerable periods due to rainfall and unfavourable weather conditions. The battery-car service has also been temporarily suspended at times after stones, debris and other material accumulated along portions of the route.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is keeping a close watch on the condition of the pilgrimage route and restoring services after necessary safety checks.
On Tuesday, rain that began in the early morning continued until around 10 am. Although the rain stopped later, thick clouds remained over the Trikuta hills and the weather continued to fluctuate, with brief spells of sunshine also witnessed. The helicopter service remained suspended for most of the day, but the weather failed to dampen the spirit of devotees, who continued their journey towards the Bhawan amid dense mist and cool winds.
The Shrine Board has continued to provide accommodation, food and other essential facilities to pilgrims at the Katra base camp as well as along the track leading to the shrine. Devotees are also availing themselves of ponies, palkis, ropeway and battery-car services, subject to weather and operational conditions.
After paying obeisance at the Vaishno Devi shrine, many pilgrims also visit Bhairon Ghati to seek blessings at the shrine of Baba Bhairavnath. Those returning to Katra also contribute to the local economy by purchasing prasad, religious items and other goods from the town’s markets.
To ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims, sanitation workers and disaster-management teams have been deployed along the pilgrimage routes. Police and CRPF personnel, along with Shrine Board officials and staff, are maintaining surveillance and monitoring arrangements throughout the route.
The month-wise figures show that 6,96,914 pilgrims visited the shrine in January 2026, followed by 4,45,178 in February and 9,36,046 in March. The shrine recorded 9,14,341 pilgrims in April, while May witnessed 10,92,776 visitors. June recorded the highest monthly footfall of the year so far, with 13,13,803 pilgrims. In July, the number stood at 6,68,911, followed by 6,25,550 in August.
In comparison, the shrine recorded 5,69,164 pilgrims in January 2025, 3,78,865 in February and 9,40,143 in March. The corresponding figures for April, May and June were 9,81,228, 4,13,365 and 9,26,263, respectively. July recorded 6,77,652 pilgrims, while 5,33,756 pilgrims visited the shrine in August.
With the monsoon expected to ease and the festival period passing, stakeholders in Katra are looking forward to a fresh increase in pilgrim arrivals in the coming weeks.
