record-5m-pilgrims-visit-vaishno-devi-shrine-in-6-months

Over 5 million pilgrims from across the country have visited the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine, located in the Trikuta Hills of Katra town, Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Sources said more than 5 million pilgrims visited the shrine from January to June,.

 

Currently, between 25,000 and 35,000 devotees are arriving daily at the base camp for the pilgrimage.

 

"The number of pilgrims is expected to increase in the coming days with the ongoing 52-day Shri Amarnath Yatra as many pilgrims will visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi after visiting the holy cave," sources added.

 

So far this year, around 5,032,168 devotees have visited Vaishno Devi, compared to 4,999,946 during the same period last year.

 

Additionally, the start of a direct helicopter service from Jammu to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is expected to further boost the number of pilgrims in the future.

 

The official website shows that 311,663 pilgrims have used helicopter services to travel to the shrine.

 

The shrine board is working to improve infrastructure and other essential services to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.

 

According to the shrine board, the number of pilgrims visiting this year is expected to break all previous records.

 

 In 2023, the shrine welcomed around 9.1 million pilgrims. This year, the number is expected to rise significantly due to better connectivity, and improved road and air travel infrastructure.

 

Additionally, the trust has upgraded accommodation arrangements to make the yatra more comfortable and feasible for people of all ages.