The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has announced the suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra for three days, from October 5th to 7th, 2025, in response to a forecast of heavy rainfall in the region. The pilgrimage to the shrine, located in the Trikuta Hills near Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, will resume on October 8th, 2025, if weather conditions permit.
The decision to suspend the Yatra was made following an advisory from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting "very heavy rains" in the Jammu division and south Kashmir. The Shrine Board communicated the suspension through a post on X, urging devotees to stay updated via official channels.
Authorities have taken this precautionary measure due to the potential for landslides, flooding, and cloudbursts triggered by the anticipated heavy rainfall. Pilgrims have been advised not to travel to Katra, which serves as the base camp for the journey to the holy shrine, until the suspension is lifted.
The Vaishno Devi Yatra, one of the most revered pilgrimages in India, attracts millions of devotees annually. During the recent Navratri period, over 1.70 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the temple. However, the Yatra has faced repeated disruptions in 2025 due to adverse weather conditions and landslides.
Notably, the pilgrimage had previously been suspended for 22 days in August after a devastating landslide, caused by torrential rain on August 26th, resulted in the death of 34 people and injuries to 20 others. The Shrine Board faced criticism following that incident.
The IMD has warned that isolated areas in the Jammu region could experience very heavy downpours, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 60-70 km/h. These conditions raise concerns about landslides, mudslides, and potential disruptions to major highways like the Jammu-Srinagar and Srinagar-Leh routes.
The Trikuta Hills, where the Vaishno Devi shrine is situated, are particularly vulnerable to such disruptions during the monsoon withdrawal and early winter periods. Authorities are focused on ensuring the safety of pilgrims and have advised them to avoid traveling to Katra until the weather improves and clearance is granted.
The Shrine Board has emphasized the importance of cooperation from devotees and has assured that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure a smooth resumption of the Yatra once the weather advisory is lifted. Pilgrims are encouraged to consult the official Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information.
While October typically marks the beginning of the autumn season in Katra, with mild temperatures ranging from 11°C to 28°C, the current weather forecast necessitates the suspension of the pilgrimage to ensure the safety of all devotees.
