Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Resumes After Weather Suspension
The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, nestled in the Trikuta hills of Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, has recommenced on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, after a three-day suspension due to inclement weather. The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced the reopening of all registration counters around 6:00 AM, allowing pilgrims to resume their journey to the holy cave shrine.
The Vaishno Devi Yatra was halted as a precautionary measure following forecasts of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and potential landslides in the Trikuta Hills region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an adverse weather advisory from October 5 to 7, prompting the suspension of the pilgrimage. Authorities have now reopened the route for devotees after conducting necessary safety checks and ensuring clearance along the track.
The resumption of the yatra has brought relief and gratitude to devotees eager to continue their spiritual journey. Officials are urging pilgrims to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety advisories during their visit.
In addition to the Vaishno Devi Yatra, the Machail Mata Yatra in Kishtwar district has also resumed following improvements in weather conditions. Furthermore, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, which experienced a day-long suspension, has been partially reopened, and government and private schools have reopened after a two-day closure.
The Vaishno Devi Yatra had previously been suspended on August 26 due to heavy rains that triggered a landslide near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari, resulting in the tragic loss of 34 lives, mostly pilgrims. Following that incident, the yatra resumed on September 17 after restoration work. The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, had formed a high-level committee to investigate the causes of the August landslide.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has advised devotees to stay updated through official communication channels for further information. The board also confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that all Yatra registration counters would be operational from 6:00 AM onwards on October 8, 2025. The helicopter service to the shrine has also resumed normal operations.
