The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra has witnessed more than 2.69 lakh devotees offering prayers during the ongoing Chaitra Navratri festival.
A senior Shrine Board official said on Thursday, “The yatra is progressing smoothly and there is a huge rush. As many as 2,69,716 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the temple till March 25.”
Chaitra Navratri, which is being observed from March 19 to March 27, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Navdurga and holds special significance at the shrine, where one of the highest pilgrim footfalls is recorded every year during this period.
According to updated statistics, 31,815 pilgrims paid obeisance at the temple on the first day of Navratri on March 19, followed by 34,805 on March 20, 41,078 on March 21, 43,482 on March 22, 45,478 on March 23, 38,158 on March 24 and 34,900 on March 25.
Registration was suspended twice for short periods due to the heavy rush of pilgrims and concerns over a possible stampede at the cave shrine, officials said. Multi-tier security arrangements have been put in place at the Katra base camp and along the route to the shrine to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.
This year, the Shrine Board has introduced wireless communication systems to enhance coordination along the yatra route. A multi-layered security grid involving the police, CRPF, other paramilitary forces and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) has been deployed throughout the festival, officials added.
The sacred Shat Chandi Maha Yagya commenced at the shrine on March 19, marking the auspicious beginning of Chaitra Navratri, officials said.
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