After wearing deserted look for over three weeks due to closure of pilgrimage , Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is wearing a bright and colorful look to welcome the pilgrims from across the coutry. Atop Trikuta hills in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, the shrine and entire path has been adorned with vibrant floral decorations on the eve of Shardiya Navratras beginning September 22.
Amid this festive ambience created on the occasion , like every year thousands of devotees expected to arrive over the next nine days.The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has also pressed volunteers into service to guide pilgrims, manage the heavy rush, and ensure smooth movement along the 12-km yatra route, the officials said. Security has also been beefed up enroute shrine. They said additional facilities, including drinking water points, medical aid and crowd management measures, have also been put in place to provide a comfortable pilgrimage experience for visitors from different parts of the country.
The pilgrimage to the revered shrine resumed on September 17 after remaining suspended for 22 days due to a devastating landslide along the track amid torrential rains on August 26 resulting in the death of 34 persons and injuries to 20 others. Navratra, which will be observed from September 22 to October 1, is dedicated to the worship of goddess Durga and holds special significance at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, which witnesses one of its highest pilgrim turnouts during this period. Devotees undertake the uphill trek chanting hymns and offering prayers, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.
“The shrine board is ready to welcome the devotees during the festival. All arrangements including security is in place while the whole track along with ‘Bhawan’ (sanctum sanctorum) is decorated like the past with additional steps to provide better experience to the devotees,” Chief Executive Officer of SMVDSB Sachin Kumar Vaishya said.In addition to the help desks, he said this year volunteers have been deployed all along the track to guide the pilgrims and respond to their questions.
“They will be identified by their attire in which it will be written 'how can I help you'. They are deployed on the track,” the CEO said.
He said the shrine board has also decided to reintroduce wireless sets to strengthen the communication network and put up extra signages along the route besides joint patrol monitoring to manage crowds effectively and designate holding areas.
A multi-tier security grid involving police, CRPF, paramilitary forces, and quick-response teams would be ensured during the festival, he said.Officials said the number of pilgrims visiting the shrine in the past five days have shown an increasing trend with over 4,000 pilgrims paying their obeisance at the shrine on Friday.
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