Katra: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Friday announced the temporary suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra from October 5 to 7, following a fresh inclement weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The pilgrimage will resume on October 8, the board clarified.
“In view of the inclement weather advisory issued by the Indian Meteorological Department, Vaishno Devi Yatra shall remain suspended from 5th to 7th October 2025 and will resume on 8th October 2025. Devotees are advised to stay updated through official channels,” the Shrine Board said in its statement.
The decision comes in the backdrop of heightened concerns over pilgrim safety after the recent tragedy on the shrine track in which 34 devotees lost their lives during a massive landslide. The incident has pushed authorities to exercise maximum caution and prioritize preventive measures during adverse weather conditions.
According to officials, the Shrine Board has already initiated a series of safety protocols, including regular monitoring of vulnerable stretches along the track, deployment of additional rescue teams, and frequent communication updates for devotees. The administration has urged pilgrims to avoid relying on unofficial sources of information and strictly adhere to advisories issued by the Board and district authorities.
The suspension, though likely to inconvenience thousands of pilgrims arriving from across the country during the festive season, has been described as a “necessary precaution” by officials. “Our foremost responsibility is to ensure the safety of devotees. No risk can be taken, especially after the recent landslide tragedy,” a Shrine Board official noted.
Meanwhile, locals and shopkeepers in Katra have expressed mixed reactions. While many acknowledged the importance of prioritizing safety, others raised concerns over the economic impact of the yatra’s suspension on small businesses dependent on the annual influx of pilgrims.
The administration has assured that once the weather improves, the pilgrimage will resume under strict safety guidelines.
