Thousands of pilgrims braved persistent rain to pay obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on the first day of Chaitra Navratri, which began on March 19.
On Thursday, the shrine witnessed a massive rush of devotees, with nearly 15,000 people visiting on the opening day of the festivities. Despite heavy rainfall, devotees thronged the pilgrimage base camp at Katra before undertaking the trek to the hilltop shrine.
“Over 15,000 devotees have paid obeisance at the cave shrine and a large number are on their way,” officials said. The 'yatra' is proceeding smoothly, with multi-layered security arrangements in place, they added. Groups of pilgrims, chanting 'Jai Mata Di' and accompanied by devotional music on loudspeakers, marched along the route towards the shrine for 'Mata’s darshan'.
The nine-day festival got off to a grand start, with officials anticipating a daily footfall of 20,000 to 30,000 pilgrims in the coming days.
In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor’s office stated, "Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid respects at the shrine on Thursday, seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, happiness and well-being for all.”
A police official said on Thursday, “Police, CRPF and shrine board security personnel have been deployed along the track from Katra to the Bhawan. Extensive security measures have been taken following a comprehensive review.”
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary also paid obeisance at the shrine and extended greetings on Navratri, saying, "I extend my greetings to the people on the occasion of Navratri. I wish everyone peace, prosperity and happiness.”
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